Sounds of Hope

How Music Supports Refugee Mental Health

Keywords: refugee, art, music, music therapy, community music therapy

Abstract

The issue, that not long ago seemed marginal in Poland has, almost overnight, begun to affect millions of people living in our country. According to UNHCR, the number of refugees worldwide reached 43 million in 2024 (UNHCR, 2024). Behind each of these numbers lies the story of an individual facing profound challenges. Art can provide support by opening up spaces inaccessible to other forms of refugee aid and can also serve as a therapeutic tool. It functions as a bridge between internal experiences and the social sphere, assisting refugees in the transition from isolation to integration. This article focuses on music, presenting it as a component of music therapy, with particular emphasis on one of its most recent models: Community Music Therapy. This culturally sensitive form of therapy offers a destigmatizing approach to building a sense of security, regulating emotions, fostering relationships, and ultimately improving quality of life.

Author Biography

Krzysztof Stachyra, Maria Curie Skłodowska University in Lublin

Muzykoterapeuta, doktor habilitowany nauk społecznych. Kierownik Podyplomowych Studiów Muzykoterapii oraz profesor w Katedrze Wczesnej Edukacji Uniwersytetu Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej w Lublinie. Przewodniczący Polskiego Stowarzyszenia Muzykoterapeutów (PSMT), Komisji Certyfikacyjnej Muzykoterapeutów, a także prezes Polskiego Stowarzyszenia Terapii Przez Sztukę (PSTS). Wieloletni członek zarządu Światowej Federacji Muzykoterapii (World Federation of Music Therapy). Współredaktor w amerykańskim Journal of Biomusical Engineering.

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Published
2025-03-30
How to Cite
[1]
Stachyra, K. 2025. Sounds of Hope: How Music Supports Refugee Mental Health. Perspectives on Culture. 48, 1 (Mar. 2025), 285-296. DOI:https://doi.org/10.35765/pk.2025.4801.17.