Being a person who plays in a band rather than being a person with a mental illness playing in a band: A qualitative study of stigma in the context of music therapy in mental health aftercare

Introduction The study explores the theme “stigma” and how it was experienced by participants in MOT82, a music therapy project field of mental health aftercare Norway. is explored through research questions: How stigmatisation aftercare? And: Which strategies can be used to prevent stigma context aftercare?Method method for based on User Interviewing User, evaluation services, where service users are actively involved entire process. analyses were qualitative processes within hermeneutic abductive approach highlighting reflexivity as an important part process.Results expressed MOT82 positive arena that fostered experiences mastery, personal development, inclusion, strong collaborative community. However, also highlighted stigma, stories about mechanisms exclusion; negative labelling; could related issues concerning illness, health, treatment.Discussion Findings discussed illuminated theory from sociology, therapy, recovery; emphasising concepts social capital, performance importance user perspective. With regards matter destabilising message clear: Tone down focus turn up volume regarding doing music.