The hip-hop and mental health handbook for mental health practicioners
Date
2025
Authors
Volk, Hunter J.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education
Abstract
Hip-hop culture is a dynamic, multifaceted movement with profound relevance to mental health practices, albeit one that few professionals have experience with. Practitioners can develop more creative, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approaches by understanding hip-hop culture and realizing how it can be used to improve mental health. This project articulates a literature review of several critical areas including a brief history of hip-hop culture, hip-hop through a Canadian lens, and the application of hip-hop in mental health practices. Additionally, this project includes a handbook that translates findings from the literature review into an accessible, interdisciplinary resource for professionals seeking to better understand hip-hop culture and potentially incorporate it into their practice. By increasing visibility and facilitating a better understanding of the relationship between hip-hop culture and mental health, this project aims to improve professionals’ engagement with hip-hop as a therapeutic tool in working with diverse, relevant populations.
Description
Keywords
music in mental health , hip-hop culture , trauma-informed approach , culturally responsive approach , mental health practitioners