Music Imagery for Patients in Protected Environments

Standard treatment for acute leukemia and high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma includes intensive chemotherapy that typically requires a 4-week hospital stay in protective isolation. Patients treated in isolation units may experience elevated levels of psychological distress. Both guided imagery and music therapy have been effective in improving the moods of cancer patients, but studies have not been conducted in acute leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. This study will evaluate the effect of music imagery on these patients. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care plus music imagery or standard care alone. Participants assigned to the standard care plus music imagery group will receive a 45-minute weekly music imagery session with a music therapist. All participants will complete questionnaires and self-reports regarding their general anxiety, affect, and fatigue.