Exploring facilitator perspectives on four participatory music-based interventions for perinatal mental health: a qualitative study

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ABSTRACT Background Participatory music-based interventions can promote mental health and connectedness across diverse contexts, including in the perinatal period. However, research on participatory music-based perinatal interventions is limited and typically focused on postnatal depression. This study explores the various elements of four music-based interventions supporting different severities of perinatal mental health needs. Methods Five musician leads and two clinicians were interviewed from four music-based perinatal interventions. Interviews explored the key features, goals, impacts and challenges of each intervention. Results A reflexive thematic analysis identified four themes: (1) Incorporating varied musical activities; (2) Fostering a supportive community; (3) Affecting psycho-emotional change; and (4) Strategies for accessibility. Conclusions This study demonstrates the multiple mechanisms through which participatory music interventions can promote perinatal mental health, including emotional regulation, self-compassion and coping skills. These findings can be used to guide future interventions for a wider spectrum of severities and types of perinatal mental health.