The Effect of Music on Attention in Schizophrenia

This study has been carried out in order to investigate the effect of musical activities on attention of schizophrenic patients. Since April 2010, 55 patients from members of the Association of Schizophrenic Patients (Ahba) were screened using available sampling method. They randomly divided into two groups which were consisted of experimental group (30) and control group (25). The experimental group participated in 24 sessions of the music therapy, which were provided in the place of Ahba association in June and July of the same year. Data were collected using Stroop test, continuous performance test and Lezak letter cancellation test in pre-test and post-test stages. In the experimental group, average scores of processing speed, before and after intervention had significant difference and music affected this group (p< 0.05) but no significant deference was observed between and within the groups in other variables. Music therapy can be effective on elevating of maintenance of attention in schizophrenic patients, but a considerable influence on this group needs more studies.