The Effect of Music Therapy and the 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy and 4-7-8 breathing exercises in managing anxiety among nursing students during IV drug administration education. Method: This study was conducted using a randomized controlled experimental research model. The study was conducted between March and July 2025 with first-year nursing students studying at the Faculty of Nursing at a university in eastern Turkey. The sample consisted of 97 students (music therapy group: 32, 4-7-8 breathing exercise group: 32, control group: 33), determined using Power analysis. Data were collected using a "Personal Information Form" and the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI Form TX-I), which measures state anxiety levels.

When nursing students came to the laboratory application, a personal information form and state anxiety inventory were administered. During the laboratory practice (1st Lesson - 40 min.) and 2nd Lesson (40 min.), instrumental Turkish classical music in the Hüseynî mode was played at the same volume through computer speakers. The state anxiety inventory was administered again at the end of the 2nd lesson. Students were given information about the 4-7-8 breathing technique. The 4-7-8 breathing exercise was performed once (6 breaths) before the start of the laboratory practice (1st lesson - 40 min) and before the 2nd lesson (40 min). The State Anxiety Inventory was administered again after the breathing exercises.