Therapeutic listening on anxiety and self-esteem in people with chronic non-communicable diseases: integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic non-communicable diseases require continuous care and are influenced by sociocultural factors. Management involves adherence to treatment, lifestyle changes, monitoring, and emotional support. Therapeutic listening, especially when performed by nurses, has shown benefits for mental health. Therefore, the question arises as to how therapeutic listening can improve the levels of anxiety and self-esteem of these people. Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on therapeutic listening for anxiety and/or self-esteem in people with chronic non-communicable diseases. Method: This is an integrative review, using a methodological framework, which was registered in the Figshare repository. The information sources PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and LILACS were used, as well as controlled descriptors, alternative terms/synonyms, and keywords, in addition to the EndNote and Rayyan software. Primary studies published between 2003 and July 2024 were searched; in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. Results: Of the 745 studies found, four were included in this review, all with level II evidence and in English. The following thematic categories were developed: positive effect of therapeutic listening on anxiety; positive effect of therapeutic listening on quality of life, happiness, spiritual well-being and self-efficacy; and use of therapeutic listening by health professionals, especially nurses, to control psychosocial problems. Conclusion: Therapeutic listening has been shown to have a positive impact on anxiety and factors related to the self-esteem of people with chronic non-communicable diseases. Thus, the need for further research in this area is evident.

Keywords: Anxiety; Self-esteem; Chronic disease; Non-communicable diseases; Chronic non-communicable diseases; Therapeutic listening.