Choral singing and psychological wellbeing: Quantitative and qualitative findings from English choirs in a cross-national survey

description

The authors of this report state that there have been numerous evaluations of choral singing as a health promotion activity but these were highly diverse theoretically, methodologically, and in terms of size.  For this study researchers drew on participants in English choirs, asking over 6OO singers to complete a standard questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire) to measure “physical, psychological, social and environmental wellbeing, and a twelve-item ‘wellbeing and choral singing scale’ “. They also were asked to respond to open questions about the effects of choral singing on their lives.  The report details findings, including a “high degree of consensus on the positive benefits of choral singing” with “women endorsing the wellbeing effects of singing more strongly than men.” The open questions revealed  “generative mechanisms” through which singing can influence wellbeing and health.” Dr. Stephen Clift, lead researcher, is well known for his work in the field of culture and aging, particularly the impact of music on older adults.

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contributor

Stephen Clift

related organization

Canterbury Christ Church University

resource type

Articles and Blog Posts

year

2010

keywords

choir singing, musical participation, older adults, quality of life

art form

Music (Vocal)