Youth Mental Health and Music Based Community Programs: A Comparative Constructivist Grounded Theory Approach
Abstract
Music-based community programs are evidenced to support youth mental health. However, the processes by which they do this, and how these relate to youths’ experiences, remain unknown. Using constructivist grounded theory and an intersectional approach to explore the relationship between participant experiences and program processes, 12 youth were interviewed (13-18 years of age) from three diverse community-based sites in Edmonton that use music to support youth mental health. Program experiences were found to be influenced by youth positionality, and programs were found to be accessible, safe spaces for diverse youth which creates an environment of supported risk taking, leading to growth in both musical and social ability. Program participation can result in experiences of mental health, self-efficacy, and identity, supported by unique program processes. Through reducing barriers to access by providing free services targeted to meet the needs of youth, these programs contribute to social justice on a community level.
Subject
- youth mental health
- music based community programs
- constructivist grounded theory
- self-efficacy
- identity formation
- program processes
- intersectionality
- social work
- Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta - Sistema (YONA-Sistema)
- Semitones Children's and Youth Choir
- Sarah McLachlan School of Music
- youth experience
- positive social experiences
- positive musical experiences
- genuine relationships with teachers
- acceptance of diversity
- soft power
- reciprocal relational responsibilities
- co-opportunities for learning and leading
- engaging all senses at once
- separating from the outside world
- feminist-narrative approach
- ecological approach
- epistemological constructivism
- social justice
- novel social opportunities
- youth with disabilities
- gender non-binary youth
- transgender youth
- youth living in poverty
- age 13-18
- semi-structured interviews
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