This study explores the impact of community music therapy on the quality of life of Black women in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, through a mixed-methods design. From an intersectional perspective, the research addresses systemic oppression and investigates music therapy as a space for emotional expression, empowerment, and collective care. Eight weekly sessions were held with up to ten participants, using musical improvisation, songwriting, re-creation, and community music therapy strategies to promote self-expression and emotional well-being. Quantitative assessments examined changes in quality of life, negative affect, and emotional intelligence, applying the Reliable Change Index (RCI) to evaluate individual outcomes. Results showed psychological and social improvements in most participants, although inconsistencies emerged in the measurement of emotional intelligence. Thematic analysis of qualitative data, enhanced by artificial intelligence techniques, identified three core themes: confronting structural oppression, fostering emotional expression through music, and strengthening community and mutual support. Findings suggest that community music therapy can be a transformative resource for Black women, offering a safe space to process experiences of racism, build resilience, and reinforce support networks. Challenges such as participant adherence and limitations of the assessment tools indicate the need for methodological adjustments in future studies, particularly regarding group size and instrument selection.
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.
