Live Opera Performances on Veteran Recovery from Homelessness and Post Traumatic Stress

Post- Discussion Qualitative Analysis

Datos Bibliográficos

ID8907336
AutoresKia Skrine Jeffers (0000-0002-6162-3071, University of California, Los Angeles, autor de correspondencia), Tiffany Dzou (0000-0001-6004-8581, Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute), Robert M Bilder (0000-0001-5085-7852, Neurobehavioral Systems), Joseph Mango (0000-0002-2944-038X, Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute), Jose Pila (0009-0002-9240-8398, Claremont Graduate University), Kenneth B Wells (0000-0002-7454-6589, RAND Corporation)
Año2025
Volumen62
Número2
Páginas376-384
Fecha de publicación2025-11-13
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaCommunity Mental Health Journal (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0010-3853 • E-ISSN: 1573-2789
EditorialSpringer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1007/s10597-025-01532-2
PMID41231354
OpenAlexW4416193613
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas30

There is limited research on the impact of art forms, including opera, on audience and cast engagement in understanding mental health needs and support for Veterans at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and homelessness. This qualitative study explores post-performance discussions from audience and cast members after live performances of an opera about Vietnam Veterans and family members, and their experiences of war-time trauma, housing instability, and receiving services to promote recovery and resilience. Audio-recorded and transcribed comments by Veterans (n=8), family members (n=9), providers (n=5) and cast (n=9) were analyzed using thematic analysis for key themes, with examples of quotes. Main themes included: 1) Struggling Post-military Service, including feeling misunderstood and self-isolation; 2) Finding Hope, through commitment and community; and 3) Healing through the Opera by sharing difficult societal issues, promoting empathy, and sharing resources, with lived experiences shared across themes by Veterans, family members, providers and cast/production team with a peer facilitator. The reflections they shared about their journey from trauma and homelessness through implementing strategies to obtain needed services, were fostered through live opera performances and peer-facilitated, post-discussions

Discourse analysis · Feeling · Mental health · Opera · Peer support · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Art Therapy and Mental Health · Mental Health via Writing · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research