Journal of Holistic Nursing American Holistic Nurses Association Volume XX Number X XXXX 201X 1–13 © The Author(s) 2017 10.1177/0898010117710855 journals.sagepub.com/home/jhn jhn 1 Currently, there is great interest in studying the effects of mind–body interactions and complemen- tary alternative interventions for disease recovery and symptom control (Mayden, 2012). Music has been recognized for centuries as a therapeutic resource with properties for healing and treatment of physical or mental illnesses (Batt-Rawden, 2010). 710855JHN XX X 10.1177/0898010117710855Journal of Holistic NursingEffect of Music on Spirituality / Alvarenga et al. research-article 2017 The Effect of Music on the Spirituality of Patients A Systematic Review Willyane de Andrade Alvarenga, RN, MScN Ana Carolina Andrade Biaggi Leite, RN Marina Sanches Oliveira, RN Lucila Castanheira Nascimento, RN, PhD University of Sao Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Brazil Fernanda Machado Silva-Rodrigues, RN, MSc University of Sao Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Brazil Santa Casa de Sao Paulo School of Medical Sciences, Brazil Michelle Darezzo Rodrigues Nunes, RN, PhD State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Emilia Campos de Carvalho, RN, PhD University of Sao Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Brazil Purpose: Although some studies have suggested that music can positively affect physical and psycho- logical variables, few have evaluated its effects on spirituality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of musical interventions on the spirituality of patients, regardless of diagnoses. Method: This was a system- atic literature review that followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations conducted through a relevant search of terms in six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, and LILACS) without temporal delimitation. Experimental or quasi-experimental studies were included, involving participants regardless of diagnoses, to assess the effect of music on spirituality, either through musical intervention as music medicine or through music therapy. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Results: A total of 147 studies were identified; 7 met the inclusion criteria. Five studies were randomized controlled trials involving six music therapists leading the musical intervention with the active participation of patients. The interventions used were heteroge- neous. Three studies were associated with improved spirituality after the intervention. Four studies used measurements to evaluate spiritual well-being. Conclusion: This review did not allow ascertaining the positive impact of music intervention on spirituality in patients, which motivates further research. Keywords: systematic review; spirituality; spiritual well-being; music therapy; music Critical Reviews Authors’ Note: Acknowledgments to the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel for financial sup- port. Please address correspondence to Willyane de Andrade Alvarenga, RN, MScN, University of Sao Paulo at Ribeirao Preto College of Nursing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Avenue Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-902, Brazil; email: willya- nealvarenga@usp.br.