MESOC Serapeum | Where culture meets AI

Id		776
Author		Hopper M.J., Curtis S., Hodge S., Simm R.
Title		A qualitative study exploring the effects of attending a community pain service choir on wellbeing in people who experience chronic pain
Reference		Hopper M.J., Curtis S., Hodge S., Simm R.; A qualitative study exploring the effects of attending a community pain service choir on wellbeing in people who experience chronic pain ;British Journal of Pain vol:10.0 issue: 3 page:124.0
Link to article		https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85006190137&doi=10.1177%2f2049463716638368&partnerID=40&md5=3385f0b24372bc05113231bf599b18b2
Abstract		In line with growing evidence of the health benefits of singing, this study aimed to explore participants’ perceptions of the impact of a service-user-led community pain choir on their psychological wellbeing, self-efficacy and relationships with their chronic pain. The choir has links to a multidisciplinary pain management service, which is informed by the ethos of solution-focused (SF) principles, specifically in identifying and drawing upon patients’ resources. Seven choir members participated in semi-structured interviews, grounded in lines of enquiry commonly used in SF practice. Thematic analysis of the data uncovered seven themes: Physical Improvements, Emotional Impact, Personal Growth, Interpersonal Processes, Relationship with the ‘Self’, Living Well with Pain and Sharing the Music and Spreading the Word. Participants’ narratives provided support for participation in the choir in enhancing positive affect, self-worth, interpersonal relationships and overall wellbeing. The choir enabled continued progress towards accomplishing key pain management programme aims: self-management, coping and living well with pain. Findings expanded upon existing evidence relating to singing and wellbeing by highlighting the choir’s role in promoting resilience and acceptance of pain. Clinical implications are explored in relation to psychosocial dimensions of pain. © 2016, © The British Pain Society 2016.

Results:

Candidate transition variables
In line with growing evidence of the health benefits of singing, this study aimed to explore participants perceptions of the impact of a service-user-led community pain choir on their psychological wellbeing, self-efficacy and relationships with their chronic pain. .
Participants narratives provided support for participation in the choir in enhancing positive affect, self-worth, interpersonal relationships and overall wellbeing. .
Singing has been shown to improve emotional and mental wellbeing as it promotes positive affect, cognitive stimulation and regular commitment;52 enhances spirituality;53,54 and improves psychological difficulties and daily functioning for individuals with mental health difficulties.55 .
The social and behavioural dimensions of pain may also be addressed through singing as it can contribute to social cohesion and identity, enabling individuals to develop positive interpersonal relationships through trust, co-operation and empathy,57 together with promoting empowerment, providing meaning and enhancing social roles.58,59 Choral singing has received public attention and appreciation over recent years through popular television shows like The Choir60 and Unsung Town61 which have portrayed group singing in a positive light. .
For example, some felt more in control of pain, were able to release their pain or were distracted from pain when immersed in singing: I try to ignore it ... .
A number of specific mechanisms of the choir were identified as contributors to improved mood, including the manageable sessionlength which maintained interest, the inclusive and light-hearted choir environment (When youre singing youre freer! .
Singing provided a temporary focus for several participants in which attention was directed towards a meaningful and rewarding activity. .
The choir seemed to offer an environment to observe personal strength, resulting in improved wellbeing and self-efficacy. .
While other research into singing identifies a number of comparable themes, this study provides additional insights into how attending a service-user-led pain choir might facilitate not only physical benefits and positive affect, but also have potential lasting effects on psychological wellbeing and self-efficacy through deeper intrapsychic changes. .
The choir also appeared to contribute to improved emotional wellbeing as a result of the strengths-focused ethos, together with other key mechanisms of the choir such as a fun and inclusive atmosphere. .
Finally, singing has also been found to increase empathy for others84 which may help to explain forgiveness within some participants relationships. .
Individuals appeared to be fully immersed in the process of singing which was a rewarding experience and a distraction from pain. .
Participants reported an increased sense of energy and relaxation, together with a reduction in pain, as the choir accommodates its members by enabling them to sing through their pain. .
The choir seemed to promote both positive affect and sustained emotional wellbeing which may counteract negative affective experiences often associated with pain. .
The findings reveal support for the positive impact of a service-user led choir in improving psychological wellbeing and self-efficacy in individuals who experience chronic pain. .
However, the pain choir is a valuable adjunct to this service as its strengths-focused environment enabled participants to develop their ability to live well with their pain. .
A shared experience was that of being less reliant on painkillers on the day of the choir: I dont take my pills on a Friday because when I get there and start singing it sort of lifts you for the day (Paige). .
Therefore, if an individual is attending to a pleasurable activity such as singing, although their pain is still present, they may not be as concerned by it as pain signals to the brain are reduced and pain is perceived less intensely. .
A number of recent studies have highlighted the range of positive outcomes of choral singing. .
The increased cultural profile of singing appears to have prompted a resurgence in the popularity of choral singing62 and an increasing awareness of its benefits. .
This theme also reflects the sustained impact of singing on participants emotional wellbeing which was replenished during each session: You come away and then for the rest of the day youre sort of on a high (Paige). .
The positive impact on interpersonal processes is reflective of other research into choral singing78,79 and is recognised as a component of psychological wellbeing.63 .
Subsequently, it can only be concluded that the pain choir may have contributed to participants improved wellbeing. .
These changes appeared to be grounded in positive affect, meaningful relationships and internal adjustments, such as reconceptualisations of pain, which the choir promoted. .
The choir enabled continued progress towards accomplishing key pain management programme aims: self-management, coping and living well with pain. .
Findings expanded upon existing evidence relating to singing and wellbeing by highlighting the choirs role in promoting resilience and acceptance of pain. .
In turn, disentangling the self from pain95 facilitated a greater sense of wellbeing and satisfaction with life for several participants. .
Interviewees also felt more in control of their pain which has been shown to reduce catastro-phising and improve mood and physical functioning.24 .

ARTICLE - CANDIDATE TRANSITION VARIABLES

Results: