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The purpose of this study was to examine how music can be used to facilitate verbal and nonverbal expression of patients in the hospice and palliative care. Music, as nonverbal medium, has a vital role in expressing the emotion, feeling, opinions and ideas. Many existing research indicate that music has been an effective tool to enhance both physiological and psychological state of patients in the hospice care by eliciting both nonverbal and verbal expression. In this research, three patients in the hospice care were referred by the professionals working with them as having concealment issues. According to the studies, self-concealment negatively effects one’s emotional well-being. With the referred patients, 9 to 11 music therapy sessions were provided depending on the individual. Before and after the implementation of music therapy, Self-Concealment Scale (SCS) and Personal Descriptive Essays (PDE) were administered. PDE which consisted of two categories of analyses, emotionality and attitude in the written responses. In every music therapy session, the duration of patients’ verbal behaviors were recorded and calculated in order to verify the amount of verbal participation for each session. Results indicated that all the patients have shown different but definitely positive progress with music therapy. In general, the posttest scores of SCS has decreased after the implementation of music therapy for all three patients. Also, the content of PDE has changed in terms of emotionality and attitude. In terms of emotionality, the patients dealt with more emotional content. In terms of attitude, the patients expressed more positive mind and attitude with the progress of music therapy. The amount of verbal participation has increased for all three patients as sessions progressed. The study showed that music can be used as a facilitative tool to increase nonverbal and verbal expression. Song and music listening selections were effective in eliciting active response from the patients. The results of the study indicate that use of music can be an efficient intervention for patients in the hospice and palliative care. Music works as an efficient therapeutic tool considering the characteristics of their physical and psychological issues, and bring positive changes in attitude for quality of life.
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