Using music to help young adults with serious mental illnesses recover

Improving recovery for marginalized young adults living with serious mental illnesses using music-based self-management strategies: A mixed methods study

NIH-funded research New York University · NIH-11162739

This study is looking at how music can help young adults aged 18-25 with serious mental health challenges feel better and support their recovery, especially for those from marginalized or low-income backgrounds, by exploring how music activities can improve their mood and overall quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11162739 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how music can be used as a self-management strategy to support recovery in young adults aged 18-25 living with serious mental illnesses. The study focuses on understanding the impact of music on both clinical symptoms and personal recovery, which includes hope and empowerment. By employing a mixed methods approach, researchers will explore the mechanisms through which music influences recovery, particularly for marginalized and low-income individuals. Participants will engage in music-based activities to assess their effects on mental health and quality of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18-25 who are living with serious mental illnesses, particularly those from marginalized or low-income backgrounds.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the age range of 18-25 or do not have serious mental illnesses may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide innovative music-based strategies that enhance recovery and improve the quality of life for young adults with serious mental illnesses.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of music in mental health is recognized, this specific approach focusing on young adults with serious mental illnesses is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Affective Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.