Using music to help young adults with serious mental illnesses recover
Official title: Improving recovery for marginalized young adults living with serious mental illnesses using music-based self-management strategies: A mixed methods study
Funded at New York University · NIH-11162739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $39,806 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH139148-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162739 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 18-25 or do not have serious mental illnesses may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodwin, Aaron H — New York University
- Study coordinator: Rodwin, Aaron H
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.