A Quantitative Study of Choral Singing and Psychological Well-being

Journal

Canadian Journal of Music Therapy

Year

2012

Volume

18

First Page

45

Last Page

61

Abstract

Singing has been associated with benefits to psychological well-being. Hedonism and eudaimonism are two perspectives from which psychological well-being may be defined and measured. In this study we asked members of two choirs (N = 59) to complete hedonic and eudaimonic measures of well-being both before and after a single rehearsal. Results suggest that a single rehearsal of choral singing is associated with significant increases in positive affect, personal growth, and vitality. Psychosocial factors of personality and social support and the singer characteristic time spent singing per week were considered for their potential roles in changes in well-being. Perceived social support was found to be positively predictive of change in positive affect. Consideration was given to whether the benefits from choral singing stem from social interaction or the singing itself. This study adds to the quantitative evidence connecting singing and well-being, and it suggests well-being measures that could be useful for the evaluation of singing programs and for future research. Controlled and longitudinal studies are suggested as further directions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)

Music and Health Institute Terms

Community Center; Community Music Experience; Mental Health; Music Medicine; Psychological Outcomes; Quality of Life; Recreative Music Methods; Singing a Song; Vitality; Wellness and Well-Being

Indexed Terms

choral singing; psychological well being; social support; psychosocial factors; personality; time spent singing; Singing; Well Being; Time

Study Type

Quantitative Methods; Quasi-Experimental Study

Disciplines

Music Therapy

Document Type

Article

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