Rap music and its correlation with the mental health of young adults

Faculty Mentor

Rosalee Allan

Document Type

Poster

Start Date

10-5-2023 9:00 AM

End Date

10-5-2023 10:45 AM

Location

PUB NCR

Department

Health Services Administration

Abstract

Rap music began in the Bronx, NY, in the early 1970s, with MCs and rappers talking and rhyming in sync with the music. Rap has evolved over the years. The roots of this genre began through the Latinx and the African American inner-city community. It has gone through controversy and harmony while moving into the mainstream and redefining musical culture. Over the decades, rap has grown in popularity among youth. It has been seen as a form of lyrical poetry with raw and authentic lyrics. It reflects the struggles and hardships of marginalized communities. However, some critics argue that rap music promotes harmful behaviors, leading to concerns about its impact on the mental health of young adults. Within the same decade, there has been a significant increase in stress and suicide risk among the youth in the US. Literature reviews have shown that exposure to rap music can positively and negatively affect mental health. The rap genre can provide a sense of belonging and empowerment to listeners who identify with the messages in the lyrics. On the other hand, it encourages negative stereotypes and promotes harmful behaviors, such as drug use and violence. The purpose of this research project is to review the available literature regarding the underlying question: How does rap music correlate to the mental health of young adults? Understanding the complex relationship between rap music and mental health is essential for developing effective interventions and support systems for young adults.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
May 10th, 9:00 AM May 10th, 10:45 AM

Rap music and its correlation with the mental health of young adults

PUB NCR

Rap music began in the Bronx, NY, in the early 1970s, with MCs and rappers talking and rhyming in sync with the music. Rap has evolved over the years. The roots of this genre began through the Latinx and the African American inner-city community. It has gone through controversy and harmony while moving into the mainstream and redefining musical culture. Over the decades, rap has grown in popularity among youth. It has been seen as a form of lyrical poetry with raw and authentic lyrics. It reflects the struggles and hardships of marginalized communities. However, some critics argue that rap music promotes harmful behaviors, leading to concerns about its impact on the mental health of young adults. Within the same decade, there has been a significant increase in stress and suicide risk among the youth in the US. Literature reviews have shown that exposure to rap music can positively and negatively affect mental health. The rap genre can provide a sense of belonging and empowerment to listeners who identify with the messages in the lyrics. On the other hand, it encourages negative stereotypes and promotes harmful behaviors, such as drug use and violence. The purpose of this research project is to review the available literature regarding the underlying question: How does rap music correlate to the mental health of young adults? Understanding the complex relationship between rap music and mental health is essential for developing effective interventions and support systems for young adults.