Abstract
The transition to motherhood is challenging and can negatively impact maternal mental health. While many interventions focus on direct parenting support, participation in community music groups may be effective in promoting maternal wellbeing and improving mother-infant relationships within community populations. This research compares in-person and videoconference delivery of the Lullaby Project, a therapeutic community music group for mothers with infants aged under three. It explores engagement, participation, and group processes, and elucidates the mechanisms of change for both modes of implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine mothers and seven musicians who had experienced one of three delivery methods: 1) face-to-face; 2) face-to-face and online combination; 3) online. Interviews were analysed inductively using thematic analysis and ten sub-themes were identified within three overarching themes: 1. engagement; 2. group processes and 3. change mechanisms. Mothers perceived benefits and formed meaningful relationships in-person and online, although the distinct group processes and change mechanisms suggest the delivery methods constitute distinct interventions. Specifically, relationships were formed on an individual level during in-person delivery, whereas group-based connections were more likely with online delivery. Further research is needed to explore a diversity of experiences, and to evaluate the efficacy of online delivery of community music groups.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | International Journal of Community Music |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 19 Dec 2023 |
Bibliographical note
The authors would like to thank all the musicians and mothers who participated in the research interviews, with particular thanks to Teya-Jean Bawden for her role coordinating the project and for her feedback.The delivery and evaluation of this project was supported by a grant from the Carers Music Fund, provided by Spirit of 2012 from the Tampon Tax Fund, awarded through the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The aim of funding was to support and improve the wellbeing of unpaid female carers through group-based community music activities.
