Abstract:
This study examined how adolescent participants who are experiencing disciplinary action at their school explore masculinity and emotions through narrative music therapy. Four male participants from a private high school in South Africa attended eight sessions over four weeks. Seven main themes were identified through narrative thematic analysis: Music therapy offers boys an appealing space within which to explore experiences, thoughts and togetherness; Music therapy offers a reflective space to explore identity; Music therapy offers a constructive relational space; Music therapy offers boys a play space for engaging in emotional expression and exploration; Music therapy can facilitate exploration of societal norms of masculinity; Music therapy can facilitate exploration of alternate narratives of manhood; Music therapy can facilitate space to explore hopes for the future. This dissertation discusses these themes in detail and offers reflections on these insights for therapists working in similar contexts.
