Depending on music to feel better: Being conscious of responsibility when appropriating the power of music

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.