MESOC Serapeum | Where culture meets AI

Id		827
Author		Moss H., Lynch J., O’Donoghue J.
Title		Exploring the perceived health benefits of singing in a choir: an international cross-sectional mixed-methods study
Reference		Moss H., Lynch J., O’Donoghue J.; Exploring the perceived health benefits of singing in a choir: an international cross-sectional mixed-methods study ;Perspectives in Public Health vol:138.0 issue: 3 page:160.0
Link to article		https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85044022451&doi=10.1177%2f1757913917739652&partnerID=40&md5=a97fbfa19ccda5fccb887e1a3f90408f
Abstract		Aim: This mixed-methods exploratory study investigates the perceived health benefits of singing in a choir from an international sample of choristers. Method: An online questionnaire including demographic information, 28 quantitative statements and two qualitative questions relating to the perceived health benefits of singing in a choir was distributed via email and social media over a period of 4 months to a sample of 1,779 choristers. Basic descriptives and comparisons between subgroups of the sample are presented along with thematic analysis of qualitative comments. Results: Basic descriptives suggest an overwhelmingly positive response. Females scored significantly higher than males on physical benefits, social benefits and emotional benefits. Professional singers reported significantly more physical, social and spiritual benefits than amateur singers. Bias may be present in these findings as the results were entirely self-reported by people who already sing in choirs. Qualitative thematic analysis identified six key themes which may counter this bias by providing deeper understanding of the perceived benefits for choir singers. These include social connection, physical and physiological benefits (specifically respiratory health), cognitive stimulation, mental health, enjoyment and transcendence. Conclusion: Choral singing elicits a positive response in the chorister across a plethora of domains. This research confirms previous findings on the health benefits of singing but offers evidence from the largest sample of singers to date. However, results are based on self-perceptions of choristers, and findings are, therefore, limited. Results may be used as a base on which to develop further research in this area. It also provides confirmatory evidence to support choral singing as a means of improving wellbeing in many populations, including but not limited to workplaces, schools, nursing homes, communities and churches. © 2017, © Royal Society for Public Health 2017.

Results:

Candidate transition variables
Participants report pride in themselves and in their community, increased confidence and a feeling of self-satisfaction. .
... gives people a sense of achievement, pride in themselves and in their community. .
This research confirms previous findings on the health benefits of singing but offers evidence from the largest sample of singers to date. .
Research regarding the potential health benefits of singing is well developed, with a large body of work to support singing as a health and wellbeing intervention. .
The results from this study confirm previous findings that a large majority of choir participants perceive the experience of singing to be a beneficial one. .
The aim of this study was to assess the perceived health benefits of choral singing in a large sample of singers. .
This aimed to explore the nuances of singing in choirs and to expand understanding of the health and wellbeing benefits experienced by participants. .
Its really uplifting when we sing together and really enhances my life generally. .
Thus, singing was reported as improving selfconfidence and self-esteem, increasing competence and becoming comfortable and confident. .
Learning new things was noted as a significant part of being in a choir, specifically learning from the conductor, learning to listen to people, learning to work effectively and respectfully with other people, learning new songs, learning about my bodys capabilities, learning lyrics and learning about different musical genre: A good choir can also help towards improving community morale/pride ... (There is) great pride when we see a happy audience ... .
However, this theme is significant in itself as participants repeatedly reported wellbeing benefits such as singing in a choir making them feel happier makes you smile and lifts mood. .
Mental health This theme relates to specific psychological improvement, clinical phrases in the data that referred to singing acting as an alleviator of low mood or anxiety. .
Participants named mental health improvements, strengthening or boosting mental health when needed and for others singing contributed to maintain good mental health: I have to sing - for my mental health -Id just die without music! .
Scores for these questions were consistently high, and thematic analysis confirmed that participants found that singing can be spiritually uplifting, life affirming and a sense of connection at heart or energy level. .
A large section of data focused on stress reduction as the key benefit of singing in a choir - for example, decreasing or counteracting the stress of daily life, being a stress-free zone, releasing tension: Great way to unwind and forget your stresses ... you cant stress about everyday worries when you are singing. .
Singing requires complete concentration - its a form of mindfulness. .
(Choir singing) encourages your soul (to) feel part of something bigger than yourself ... being part of a group making a beautiful sound is very creative and instantly rewarding. .
Nonetheless, this study confirms the potential importance of social activities for people in terms of improving mental health and selfperception of health and wellbeing, and future studies might explore the specific aspects of choral singing that might contribute to these health improvements. .
Nevertheless, this article provides the largest sample to date exploring singers perceptions of the health and wellbeing benefits of singing. .
CONCLUSION This study is important, not only as it represents the largest of its kind, in exploring singers perceptions of the potential health benefits of singing in a choir, but because it is a study of healthy choristers who confirm the findings of many smaller studies with clinical populations. .
Aim: This mixed-methods exploratory study investigates the perceived health benefits of singing in a choir from an international sample of choristers. .
Conclusion: Choral singing elicits a positive response in the chorister across a plethora of domains. .
It also provides confirmatory evidence to support choral singing as a means of improving wellbeing in many populations, including but not limited to workplaces, schools, nursing homes, communities and churches. .
A review of the literature on singing and respiratory health reported trends of positive physical and/or quality-of-life outcomes after a series of singing lessons. .
However, the qualitative results provide a large body of thematic evidence of the health and wellbeing benefits of singing, as well as elaborating on the benefits cited in the quantitative study. .
Qualitative methodology In total, two supplementary questions included in the survey allowed participants to give comments on how they perceived singing to benefit their health and wellbeing; Are there ways in which you think participating in the choir is good for your health - if yes please describe and Please add any comments about the benefits of being in a choir. .
These basic descriptives across such a large international sample clearly outline the perceived benefits of singing in a choir and provide an informative grounding for future research in this area. .
Statistical evidence of participation in cultural events having a positive effect on health and survival rates,45,46 as well as recent significant research on the effect of singing on the health of people with cancer indicate evidence that singing improves mood state and modules components of the immune system.13,14 This study provides further evidence with a large sample that indicates that further research on singing is warranted. .
How the choir manage poor performance and lack of confidence is important in contributing to wellbeing and health benefits. .
Wellbeing benefits were also noted in the role of many choirs in supporting the community through singing for charities, supporting the socially isolated and marginalised to begin to feel part of their community - enabling people from all walks of life to share in the benefits of singing as a group. .
It is expected that this research will contribute significantly to the current literature in encouraging further spending and investment in community arts initiatives such as choral singing, to promote physical, social and emotional health of the general population..
Cognitive stimulation was noted in terms of keeping the brain active, learning a new skill, being challenged mentally and technically and improving concentration and memory. .
It has significantly improved my mental health, giving me more confidence and less anxiety. .

ARTICLE - CANDIDATE TRANSITION VARIABLES

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