Abstract
In response to some of the criticisms of previous research into the arts in criminal justice, this article presents findings from research with a music programme run by a Youth Offending team (YOT). Data were collected on the attendance of 42 participants at YOT appointments – matched against a comparison group – and measures of change over time in musical development, attitudes and behaviour and well-being. Participants who completed the music programme were statistically more likely to attend YOT appointments than a comparison group. There were statistically significant improvements in participants’ self-reported well-being and musical ability over the course of the project. Effect sizes reached the minimum important difference for quantitative measures. To understand not just if, but how, any impact was achieved, and to ensure the voice of the young people was heard, the quantitative elements of the research were complemented and extended by in-depth interviews with 23 participants.
DOI
10.1177/1473225420938151
Publication Date
2022-04-01
Publication Title
Youth Justice
Volume
22
Issue
1
Publisher
SAGE Publications
ISSN
1747-6283
Embargo Period
2024-11-19
First Page
67
Last Page
84
Recommended Citation
Caulfield, L., Jolly, A., Simpson, E., & Devi-McGleish, Y. (2022) '‘It’s Not Just Music, It Helps You from Inside’: Mixing Methods to Understand the Impact of Music on Young People in Contact With the Criminal Justice System', Youth Justice, 22(1), pp. 67-84. SAGE Publications: Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1473225420938151
