Grime not crime: the psychological impact of a community-based music project for marginalized young people

Socially excluded young people are a pressing problem for our society. Not only do they have a higher risk of developing distressing psychological problems and becoming young offenders, they are also less likely to seek help from mental health services. This thesis examines innovative ways of engaging and intervening with this marginalized group so as to enhance their well-being and improve their life circumstances. Part one is a literature review of community psychology interventions targeting young people. Community psychology is concerned with how the larger forces of power, oppression and exclusion affect young people and their psychological well-being. Interventions attempted to change these forces through creating collective social action, increasing youth participation and building social networks. The review evaluates their effectiveness in promoting young people's well-being and preventing psychological problems. Part two is an empirical study of a community-based intervention with marginalized young people at risk of offending. The intervention aimed to engage young people and improve social integration through the creation of music. Applied ethnography was used to investigate what psychological changes occurred in participants and through what mechanisms these changes were generated. Finally, part three is a reflection on the research process, including a commentary on issues encountered when clinical and community psychology meet