Most consequences of musical engagement are positive, but some are negative.
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Young people describe depending on music to make them feel better rather than seeing themselves as responsible.
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Young people who are struggling will be more likely to ruminate with music and isolate themselves.
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Adopting a conscious and intentional approach to musicking is important for at-risk youth.
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Music therapists are able to perceive areas of risk and support adolescents to adopt an empowered relationship with music.
Abstract
This study explores the beliefs held by young people about the power of music to help them feel better during challenging times. Participants included 40 young Australians, aged 13–20, who described their relationship with music and were progressively asked to recall times where music had not been helpful as well as when the consequences of engaging in music had been beneficial. Grounded theory analysis generated a theoretical explanation of why young people's beliefs about the positive consequences of music are so strong, even though the experience of young people with mental health problems sometimes contradicts these views. Implications for professionals are offered; with a particular emphasis on the importance of young people accepting responsibility for the ways they appropriate music in contrast to seeing the music as the source of power.
