The role of 'worship music' in promoting mental wellness among Neo-Pentecostals in Dallas, Texas

Abstract

The effects of mental unwellness in the United States of America, especially among Dallas residents, seem to be above the limited support provided by mental healthcare organisations. Such mental stress and trauma led to questions of causes, mitigations and subsequent investigation of the role of worship music in promoting mental wellness among some Neo-Pentecostals in Dallas, Texas. Using literature reviews and mixed research methods, it was discovered that worship music as a music therapy is not novel but using it to address economic and immigration-related trauma and stress was never explored in Dallas, Texas. Both the 201 quantitative and 10 qualitative data collected show that economic crises like inflation leading to a high cost of living and border crises raised the level of mental stress and Trauma. The data, analysed with ‘Python regression’, ‘Word-cloud’ and thematically interpreted with a ‘Simple Observatory and Explanatory Process’, show that these levels of trauma and stress have been mitigated by the worship music which acts as a coping mechanism and trauma diffuser. Furthermore, the data results under the lens of the theological narrative of David’s music expression and parapsychological (PSI) frameworks reveal that most respondents use lyrics meditation. In contrast, others cry and laugh during worship to ease pain, trauma and worry. Consequently, they experience improved mental well-being via calmness, peace, relief and comfort. Though the findings stipulate that worship music is a coping mechanism and trauma diffuser, it did not guarantee the possibility of achieving deliverance in the case of Dallas nor did it provide a once-and-for-all solution to mental illness, but consistent practice provides progressive mental wellness. The thesis concluded with recommendations to churches, care facilities, healthcare organisations and mental wellness Chaplains, on utilizing and improving worship music as mental wellness therapy in the Church, health sector and the community.