Background Premature birth can pose challenges to parent-infant attachment and increase parental anxiety. Music therapy has been proposed as an intervention, but its effectiveness remains unclear. Methods Six databases (Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus) were searched until January 15, 2025. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of music intervention versus routine care on parental anxiety and parent-infant attachment in caring for premature infants. Quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed with heterogeneity assessed via I2 statistics and Q tests. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach evaluated overall evidence quality. Results After comprehensive screening, 13 randomized controlled trials published between 2014 and 2024 were included, encompassing 1034 participants with preterm infants. The meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant improvement in parent-infant attachment or parental anxiety with music therapy compared to conventional care. However, subgroup analysis indicated that frequent music therapy interventions (≥once daily) positively influenced parent-infant attachment (SMD = −1.08, 95% CI: [−1.92, −0.24], p = 0.01). Conclusions Overall, music therapy may not reduce parental anxiety or improve attachment, but frequent interventions demonstrated promising potential and warrant further investigation. Registration number PROSPERO CRD42025643424. Impact statement <UnorderedList Mark="Bullet"> <ItemContent> This review indicates that music therapy, compared to standard care, shows no significant effects on parent-infant attachment or parental anxiety in the care of premature infants. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> However, more frequent (≥once daily) music therapy shows more promising results in improving parent-infant attachment, suggesting the importance of intervention intensity. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> These insights inform the development of targeted daily therapy protocol to enhance preterm care outcomes. </ItemContent> </UnorderedList>

Effectiveness of music therapy intervention on parent-infant attachment and parental anxiety in premature infants care: a systematic review and meta-analysis

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年1月8日

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Fan Sun,
Di Tang

摘要

Background

Premature birth can pose challenges to parent-infant attachment and increase parental anxiety. Music therapy has been proposed as an intervention, but its effectiveness remains unclear.

Methods

Six databases (Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus) were searched until January 15, 2025. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of music intervention versus routine care on parental anxiety and parent-infant attachment in caring for premature infants. Quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed with heterogeneity assessed via I² statistics and Q tests. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach evaluated overall evidence quality.

Results

After comprehensive screening, 13 randomized controlled trials published between 2014 and 2024 were included, encompassing 1034 participants with preterm infants. The meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant improvement in parent-infant attachment or parental anxiety with music therapy compared to conventional care. However, subgroup analysis indicated that frequent music therapy interventions (≥once daily) positively influenced parent-infant attachment (SMD = −1.08, 95% CI: [−1.92, −0.24], p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Overall, music therapy may not reduce parental anxiety or improve attachment, but frequent interventions demonstrated promising potential and warrant further investigation.

Registration number

PROSPERO CRD42025643424.

Impact statement

This review indicates that music therapy, compared to standard care, shows no significant effects on parent-infant attachment or parental anxiety in the care of premature infants.

However, more frequent (≥once daily) music therapy shows more promising results in improving parent-infant attachment, suggesting the importance of intervention intensity.

These insights inform the development of targeted daily therapy protocol to enhance preterm care outcomes.