Harmonising Healing: Investigating the Therapeutic Impact of Music-Based Interventions on Adults with Psychological Traumas and Black Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Chapter One: Systematic review.

This chapter provides a comprehensive systematic review investigating how adults with diverse trauma manifestations (Complex Trauma (CT), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)) experience Music-Based Interventions (MBIs). Aiming to address the gap in understanding recipients' perspectives, this study synthesised findings from ten qualitative papers through reciprocal translational analysis, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The results highlighted three main themes: 'Emotional Healing and Expression', 'Safe Connections', and 'Cultural and Personal Identity', indicating that MBIs serve as crucial facilitators for emotional release, fostering a sense of belonging and enabling participants to reconnect with their cultural heritage and authentic selves, thus promoting resilience and well-being.

Chapter Two: (Empirical Study)

The second chapter explores the experiences of Black refugees and asylum seekers participating in choral groups across Leicester, London, and Leeds, focusing on how these activities contribute to their well-being and resilience. Using a social constructivist approach within a critical realist framework, the study gathered insights from 15 participants over six months through one-to-one interviews. The Reflexive Thematic Analysis revealed themes such as 'A Shift from Existing to Active Living', 'Meaningful Connections', and 'Cultural and Spiritual Continuity in a New Context'. These themes underscored the empowering impact of choral group participation, highlighting its potential as a form of social prescribing that supports resilience, connection, and cultural preservation.

Conclusion

Together, these chapters underscore the potential for music-based activities to act as powerful, culturally sensitive tools in mental health support for individuals with traumatic histories and for marginalised groups. They advocate for the integration and evaluation of such interventions in mental health frameworks, providing a foundation for future comparative studies to further understand their effectiveness and long-term impacts on well-being.