Community music therapy as a resource for persons living with HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This study explored community music therapy as a psychosocial resource for persons living with HIV/AIDS at a clinic in Tshwane, South Africa. The role of community music therapy and its implications in South Africa were addressed as a second aim. A review of the literature on HIV/AIDS suggested that Sub-Saharan Africa has the most reported cases of HIV/AIDS and that persons living with HIV/AIDS may experience a lack of psychosocial resources. These psychosocial resources included inter- and intrapersonal attributes, positive mood and feelings of well-being. The data emerged from transcription of audio and video excerpts of community music therapy sessions, which included live music making and informal interviews during sessions at an HIV/AIDS clinic. These excerpts were transcribed as thick descriptions, coded and categorized to answer the research questions. The four categories were discussed as themes and supported community music therapy as a psychosocial resource for persons living with HIV/AIDS. In the broader South African context, community music therapy is a viable, inexpensive and valuable approach to re-establish community and facilitate psychosocial resources for persons living with HIV/AIDS.