Using Music to Strengthen Family Intergenerational Solidarity

Given that family is the most influential and important support in one's life, it only makes sense to examine ways to strengthen family bonds. This book aims to do just that. This study qualitatively explores how young adults make meaning of their family intergenerational solidarity through the use of music. The project employed a type of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to unlock meaning-making themes among young adults. Data collection consisted of interviewing ten young adults whose family had unintentionally or intentionally used music to increase their family intergenerational solidarity. This study attempted to capture the depth of each young adults meaning-making. Seven general themes emerged. The first theme, I have experienced bonding with my family members through the use of music, sets the scene for those which follow. The six following themes represent six ways in which the young adults obtained the first theme: greater cohesion with family members of different generations through the use of music.

Dr. Petrone provided psychotherapy at several universities in the northeast. She has also provided services at an intensive outpatient program for alcohol and substance addictions and several psychiatric hospitals. She currently works at Summit Psychological Services, a private group practice located in Summit, New Jersey.