Table 3 Veterans perspectives and experiences of the participatory music program
Theme | Domain | Illustrative Quotations | MOHOa Construct |
|---|---|---|---|
Intervention | Relative Advantage | “I thought it was a unique program. Different from a lot of the other programs that the VA offers; that will really help the Veterans.” “Other classes are just kind of the same stuff put in different ways; so it’s kind of redundant at times.” | Volition: positive perspectives about the program as a key motivator for participation |
Teacher | “[The teacher] was a big part of why I went down there in the first place, because she has that personality that just, everybody wanted, even the other guys, they want to go down and just see what it’s all about because of her passion.” | Volition: positive impressions about the teacher as a key motivator for participation | |
Group | “It’s always fun to play with a big group…It’s enjoyable, especially to be around other Veterans. It’s kind of familiar, you know, to have that camaraderie again.” | Environment: social context of the program | |
“[I would] prefer the 1-on-1, so it allows me to go at a quicker pace. I don’t have to wait on people to catch up.” | Performance Capacity: personal preference and attitude facilitate skill acquisition and performance | ||
Music | “Music is life. It’s living. It’s an expression of character, of mood.” “I’m not a musical; I don’t like music.” | Volition: personal characteristic (perspectives about music) influence participation | |
Therapeutic Power | Enjoyment | “I got joy out of it.” “It’s enjoyable…it’s fun.” “I have loved participating! I hope it continues for a long time.” | Volition: the fun of the experience motivated participation in the program |
Escape from Preoccupations | “When I feel stressed…a bit overwhelmed…I practice. Everything else goes away… concentrating on the music, practicing. When I’m done practicing, things don’t seem as bad or important as they were before. In a good way… It helps me.” | Habituation: the practice (habit) leads to personal agency and adaptation | |
Context & Culture | “…other guys even though they didn’t participate, they were pretty supportive. I think that’s just the Veteran mentality when they see somebody trying to do something, whether they do it or not, they will support.” “Orchestra is for suburban white people” | Environment: examples of social context (Veteran culture, race, socioeconomic status) | |