Dedalo Vola project: The effect of choral singing on physiological and psychosocial measures. An Italian pilot study

Several studies have been conducted that show the crucial role of active participation in music in health promotion (e.g. Dingle et al., 2021; Sheppard & Broughton, 2020); however, little research has focused on the biopsychosocial effects of choral singing. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, in terms of improving physiological and psychosocial factors, of a choral program for middle-aged and older individuals. We integrated our study with qualitative observations of the atmosphere and flow state experienced by the choristers. The data were collected before and after 12 weeks of training, with 23 participants took part in the study. They experienced significant improvements in weight, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and satisfaction of psychological needs. A beneficial trend, although not statistically significant, were observed for blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, stress, psychological needs, and mental health. The observations progressively revealed a more cohesive and focused group. Our findings support the potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration between healthcare and arts policy to promote and enhance health and well-being throughout the lifespan.

Breathing with the Conductor? A Prospective, Quasi-Experimental Exploration of Breathing Habits in Choral Singers

OBJECTIVE

The breathing technique is a determining factor for the sound quality of the singers' vocal production and thus crucial for the choral sound. The aim of this study was to examine choral singers' awareness of breathing techniques and habits while singing and to identify potential correlations between the breathing technique and the preparatory gestures of the conductor.

METHODS

In our prospective, quasi-experimental study, 720 choral singers answered a 25-item anonymous online survey which focused on demographic information, musical and choral experience, information on choir (size, type, repertoire) and conductor (age, gender, level of expertise). As the central issue we examined the subjects' general knowledge of breathing techniques and habits and their own use thereof in choral practice. Finally, subjects were asked to watch videos showing two different preparatory conducting gestures and to assess the meaning of these gestures.

RESULTS

The results of the study show that the majority of choral singers (68.1%) inhale not before and not after, but during the conductor's preparatory gesture. The most well-known (94.7%) and allegedly most frequently (81.8%) used type of inhalation is abdominal breathing. Six times more singers associate abdominal breathing with an outward gesture rather than with the more frequently occurring inward-upward gesture.

CONCLUSION

The conducting literature does not discriminate between out- and inward preparatory gestures and describe them as equivalent. However, according to our data, a vast majority of singers assign these gestures to different types of inhalation which influences singing technique and sound quality. This might lead to ambiguous action-reaction expectations from singers and conductors in rehearsals and concerts.

The positive effects of online group singing on psycho-physiological variables during the COVID-19 pandemic-A pilot randomized controlled trial

The psychological variables that were particularly influenced by social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic-stress, loneliness, social participation, and well-being-correspond closely to variables that can also be influenced by music. The present study is a pilot randomized controlled trial examining the effects of online group singing on psycho-physiological variables during the pandemic. Over 4 weeks, an online singing group sang together once a week, for 1 h, under the guidance of a professional voice coach. In a first control group, participants also met for 60 min per week but only discussed and exchanged personal experiences about music. A second control condition consisted of a waiting list group. Across all variables studied (positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, stress, loneliness, social participation, self-efficacy, and body perception), positive effects were revealed in the singing group and in the discussion group, but not in the waiting list group. The effects of the variables self-efficacy, social participation, loneliness, and life satisfaction were markedly stronger in the singing group than in the discussion group. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of group singing on a number of psycho-physiological variables, which can be used profitably in and outside of times of crisis, in both clinical and non-clinical settings.

Help is on its Way: Exploring the Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes of a Massed Community Choir Program

BACKGROUND

This paper explores the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of a massed community choir program in Australia.

METHODS

This study employed a mixed methods approach. Data were collected via a survey of choir participants (N = 305), four qualitative interviews and focus groups with facilitators and participants (N = 22), and two workshops with organising staff (N = 5). Questions were derived from a co-designed program logic, and data were triangulated and analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Participants reported feeling a sense of connectedness (psychological), but also experiencing connection (social) with their fellow singers. Psychological outcomes included the sensations of affect, arousal, and affirmation. Social outcomes included experiencing belonging, inclusion, and sharing. These positive psycho-social experiences promoted positive mental health and wellbeing outcomes in the large group of participating singers.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper addresses gaps in our understanding about the mental health and wellbeing outcomes fostered by community choirs at scale.

Between privilege and exclusion: Orthodox church singers coping with the Covid-19 lockdown

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic restricted public worship in many religious communities. This article explores how the amateur singers in Eastern Orthodox Christian church choirs coped with the 2-month liturgical lockdown in Finland during the spring of 2020. During the lockdown, only a limited number of singers were allowed to perform in worship, which was live streamed on social media. Based on a mixed-methods online survey, the article focuses on the psychological impact of the lockdown on individual church singers; their views of the spiritual, physical, mental and communal dimensions of singing in worship; and the methods of coping that their responses reveal. The analysis uses the religious coping theory developed by Kenneth Pargament and his colleagues. The results highlight how the church singers sought to maintain control of their lives in times of great uncertainty by focusing on individual religious activities and participating in live streamed worship. A new kind of autonomy was generated by the accessibility of worship on mobile devices, not confined to time or place. The results also reveal the negative effects of the lockdown on the social dynamics of the choir, the sense of being excluded from the community, as well as the guilt for having the privilege to sing in worship.

Singing Voice Concern in Tertiary Laryngology Practice

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and characteristics of patients who identify singing voice as a primary concern when presenting with general voice complaints to a voice clinic.

METHODS

Data were collected from medical records on demographics, medical history, laryngoscopy exam, diagnosis, and subsequent treatments; and from self-report questionnaires including the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and clinical voice questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 17% of patients presenting to a voice clinic with general voice problems who completed a VHI-10 identified singing voice as a primary concern. Compared to the reference cohort, patients concerned about singing voice report greater handicap on several questions of the VHI-10, particularly in personal and social life impact, loss of income, unpredictability of vocal clarity, subjective upset, and subjective handicap. Those concerned with singing voice were also more concerned about their vocal problem, and both more likely to be recommended voice therapy and participate in voice therapy despite no statistical differences in categorical diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

When considering both professional and recreational singers, voice concerns occurred in 17% of the cohort under study. Patients with singing voice concerns are accounted for largely by recreational singers, who remain poorly characterized in the literature. We underscore the importance of sensitivity and responsivity to the needs of this group of patients.

Associations of Personality, Physical and Mental Health with Voice Range Profiles

OBJECTIVES

There is evidence in the literature that voice characteristics are linked to mental and physical health. The aim of this explorative study was to determine associations between voice parameters measured by a voice range profile (VRP) and personality, mental and physical health.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional population-based study.

METHODS

As part of the LIFE-Adult-Study, 2639 individuals aged 18-80 years, randomly sampled from the general population, completed both speaking and singing voice tasks and answered questionnaires on depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, personality and quality of life. The voice parameters used were fundamental frequency, sound pressure level, their ranges and maximum phonation time. The associations were examined with the help of correlation and regression analyses.

RESULTS

Wider ranges between the lowest and highest frequency, between the lowest and highest sound pressure level and longer maximum phonation time were significantly correlated with extraversion and quality of life in both sexes, as well as openness and agreeableness in women. Smaller ranges and shorter maximum phonation time were significantly correlated with depression. Neuroticism in men was inversely correlated with the maximum phonation time. In the speaking VRP, the associations for sound pressure level were more pronounced than for the fundamental frequency. The same was true in reverse for the singing VRP. Few associations were found for anxiety, life satisfaction and conscientiousness.

CONCLUSIONS

Weak associations between voice parameters derived from the VRP and mental and physical health, as well as personality were seen in this exploratory study. The results indicate that the VRP measurements in a clinical context are not significantly affected by these parameters and thus are a robust measurement method for voice parameters.

Lifting spirits and building community: the social, emotional and practical benefits of all-female group singing

A mixed-methods concurrent identical design was implemented to explore the following research question: what are the emotional, social, and practical impacts of group singing for women from a regeneration area? Members of an all-female community choir based in an area of disadvantage participated in a focus group and survey. The most significant quantitative finding was an increase in the overall perceived level of health, which seemed linked to qualitative themes of 'positive emotions', 'redefining and reclaiming identity', 'choir as an extended family' and 'community interaction and impact'. Three themes arose from qualitative data: social impact, health and well-being aspects, and practical issues. Integrating qualitative and quantitative findings identified an overarching concept that 'choir participation may increase emotional and social health and well-being'. Group singing was found beneficial, with a potential to serve as a resource in cultivating resilience in individuals living in areas of disadvantage.

Comparative effects of music interventions on depression in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of different music interventions on depression in older adults is varied. We aimed to explore the comparative effect of different music intervention features on depression in older adults.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and ProQuest Dissertations&Theses from inception to October 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of music interventions in participants aged ≥60 years. Music interventions were classified based on the TIP (theme, intensity, and provider/platform) framework. The theme was divided into: 1) active music therapy (ACT); 2) receptive music therapy (Recep); and 3) music medicine (MM). The intensity was classified as high (>60 minutes/week), and low (≤60 minutes/week). The provider was classified as a music therapist (MT) or a non-music therapist (NonMT). Summary standardized mean differences (SMD) of level of depression with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using a frequentist framework with a random-effects model. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) approach. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021247165).

FINDINGS

Fifteen RCTs involving 1,144 older adults (mean age 67.9-86.6 years) were included. When compared with usual care, the most effective music intervention was active music therapy >60 minutes/week by music therapist (Act/High/MT) (SMD -3.00; 95%CI, -3.64,-2.35), followed by music medicine >60 minutes/week by non-music therapist (MM/High/NonMT) (SMD -2.06; 95%CI, -2.78,-1.35) with moderate and high certainty of evidence, respectively. Depression scores in older adults treated with ACT/High/MT was also significantly lower than all other interventions, except MM/High/NonMT. Low intensity music interventions other than Act/Low/MT had no impact on depression.

INTERPRETATION

Although active music therapy >60 minutes/week by music therapist is the most effective intervention to alleviate depression in older adults, music medicine by listening to music of older adult's own preference >60 minutes/week is an alternative approach in settings with limited resources.

FUNDING

None.

Embodied Prevention

Evidence-based recommendations for lifestyles to promote healthy cognitive aging (exercise, education, non-smoking, balanced diet, etc.) root in reductionistic studies of mostly physical measurable factors with large effect sizes. In contrast, most people consider factors like autonomy, purpose, social participation and engagement, etc. as central to a high quality of life in old age. Evidence for a direct causal impact of these factors on healthy cognitive aging is still limited, albeit not absent. Ultimately, however, individual lifestyle is a complex composite of variables relating to both body and mind as well as to receiving input and generating output. The physical interventions are tied to the more subjective and mind-related aspects of lifestyle and wellbeing in the idea of the “embodied mind,” which states that the mind is shaped by and requires the body. The causality is reciprocal and the process is dynamic, critically requiring movement: the “embodied mind” is a “embodied mind in motion.” Hiking, playing musical instruments, dancing and yoga are examples of body–mind activities that assign depth, purpose, meaning, social embedding, etc. to long-term beneficial physical “activities” and increase quality of life not only as delayed gratification. The present motivational power of embodied activities allows benefiting from the side-effects of late-life resilience. The concept offers an access point for unraveling the mechanistic complexity of lifestyle-based prevention, including their neurobiological foundations.

The Psychological and Biological Impact of "In-Person" vs. "Virtual" Choir Singing in Children and Adolescents: A Pilot Study Before and After the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Austria

Psychobiological responses to music have been examined previously in various naturalistic settings in adults. Choir singing seems to be associated with positive psychobiological outcomes in adults. However, evidence on the effectiveness of singing in children and adolescents is sparse. The COVID-19 outbreak is significantly affecting society now and in the future, including how individuals engage with music. The COVID-19 pandemic is occurring at a time when virtual participation in musical experiences such as singing in a virtual choir has become more prevalent. However, it remains unclear whether virtual singing leads to different responses in comparison with in-person singing. We evaluated the psychobiological effects of in-person choral singing (7 weeks, from January to March 2020, before the COVID-19 outbreak) in comparison with the effects of virtual choral singing (7 weeks, from May to July 2020, after schools partly re-opened in Austria) in a naturalistic pilot within-subject study. A group of children and young adolescents (N = 5, age range 10-13, female = 2) from a school in Salzburg, Austria were recruited to take part in the study. Subjective measures (momentary mood, stress) were taken pre- and post-singing sessions once a week. Additionally, salivary biomarkers (cortisol and alpha-amylase) and quantity of social contacts were assessed pre- and post-singing sessions every second week. Psychological stability, self-esteem, emotional competences, and chronic stress levels were measured at the beginning of in-person singing as well as at the beginning and the end of the virtual singing. We observed a positive impact on mood after both in-person and virtual singing. Over time, in-person singing showed a pre-post decrease in salivary cortisol, while virtual singing showed a moderate increase. Moreover, a greater reduction in stress, positive change in calmness, and higher values of social contacts could be observed for the in-person setting compared to the virtual one. In addition, we observed positive changes in psychological stability, maladaptive emotional competences, chronic stress levels, hair cortisol, self-contingency and quality of life. Our preliminary findings suggest that group singing may provide benefits for children and adolescents. In-person singing in particular seems to have a stronger psychobiological effect.

Evaluating the benefits of inclusive community singing towards well-being: narratives of diverse community members attending an inclusive singing group

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the benefits of an inclusive community singing group towards well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an exploratory qualitative study (EQS) approach. Semi-structured questions were devised and used to elicit participants’ experiences on the impact of an inclusive community singing group towards well-being. A thematic approach underpinned by the four phases of The Silences Framework was used to analyse the data.

Findings

This study found the following benefits of an inclusive community singing group towards well-being Connecting with others, Physical improvement, Learning new skills, Giving to others and Mindfulness.

Originality/value

This study concluded that inclusive community singing plays a pivotal role in enhancing the health and well-being of communities.

Preferred policy options to assist post‐COVID‐19 mental health recovery: A population study

The aim of this study was to gauge the opinions of people in Australia about policies to help them recover from the consequences of COVID‐19 pandemic and its associated restrictions. An anonymous online survey of people aged 18 years and older in Australia was available from 1 July to 31 August 2020. It included 16 proposed policies which respondents rated as ‘Not at all helpful’, ‘Somewhat helpful’, or ‘Very helpful’ in assisting them recover from the COVID‐19 restrictions. In all, 9220 people completed the survey. The most endorsed policy was ‘To have a publicly available plan about management of future pandemics’ which was rated as ‘very helpful’ by 46.1% of respondents. Four other policies were rated as ‘very helpful’ by more than 30% of respondents: two related to mental health support, one to individual financial support for living expenses, and one to support for community organisations. Government preparedness for future pandemics and support for mental health, individual finance, and community organisations should be policy priorities in the post‐COVID‐19 recovery phase. The findings can guide policy development to support people in Australia as they recover from COVID‐19 and the restrictions that have been imposed to control its spread.

An anonymous online survey of almost 10,000 people in Australia gauged their preferred policy options to assist post‐COVID‐19 mental health recovery. Government preparedness for future pandemics and support for mental health, individual finance, and community organisations were the most endorsed policy priorities in the post‐COVID‐19 recovery phase.

Exercise as a multi-modal disease-modifying medicine in systemic sclerosis: An introduction by The Global Fellowship on Rehabilitation and Exercise in Systemic Sclerosis (G-FoRSS)

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous multisystem autoimmune disease whereby its main pathological drivers of disability and damage are vascular injury, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis. These mechanisms result in diffuse and diverse impairments arising from ischemic circulatory dysfunction leading to painful skin ulceration and calcinosis, neurovascular aberrations hindering gastrointestinal (GI) motility, progressive painful, incapacitating or immobilizing effects of inflammatory and fibrotic effects on the lungs, skin, articular and periarticular structures, and muscle. SSc-related impairments impede routine activities of daily living (ADLs) and disrupt three critical life areas: work, family, social/leisure, and also impact on psychological well-being. Physical activity and exercise are globally recommended; however, for connective tissue diseases, this guidance carries greater impact on inflammatory disease manifestations, recovery, and cardiovascular health. Exercise, through myogenic and vascular phenomena, naturally targets key pathogenic drivers by downregulating multiple inflammatory and fibrotic pathways in serum and tissue, while increasing circulation and vascular repair. G-FoRSS, The Global Fellowship on Rehabilitation and Exercise in Systemic Sclerosis recognizes the scientific basis of and advocates for education and research of exercise as a systemic and targeted SSc disease-modifying treatment. An overview of biophysiological mechanisms of physical activity and exercise are herein imparted for patients, clinicians, and researchers, and applied to SSc disease mechanisms, manifestations, and impairment. A preliminary guidance on exercise in SSc, a research agenda, and the current state of research and outcome measures are set forth.

Correlation between vocal handicap and quality of life of popular singers

PURPOSE

To evaluate the correlation between vocal handicap index and the quality of life of popular singers.

METHODS

Transversal study. The data was collected through personal interviews and the use of the following instruments: World Health Organization Quality of Life-bref (WHOQOL-bref), the Modern Singing Handicap Index (MSHI) and a questionnaire about the singer's sociodemographic profiles and their self-perceived complaints. The level of significance was 5% (p <0.05). A descriptive analysis of the WHOQOL-bref and the IDCM scores was done using absolute and relative frequencies, mean and standard deviation. Quantitative variables were tested with Komolgorov-Smirnov, using non-parametric tests Kruskal Wallis and U Mann-Whitney. Correlation between the WHOQOL-bref and MSHI instruments was made with Spearman's Correlation Test. Reliability of the instruments tested by Cronbach's Alpha test.

RESULTS

Sample of 206 popular singers who were mostly man, single, with higher education or postgraduate and income of up to six minimum wages a month. Majority of them had high scores in WHOQOL-bref, indicating self-perception of good quality of life. Most singers report vocal complaints. The ones without vocal complaints showed self-perception of a better quality of life and lower vocal handicap with meaningful statistical significance in all WHOQOL-bref domains and MSHI subscales. Singers over 40 years old and with higher incomes showed better perception of their quality of life and lower vocal handicap. There was negative or weak correlation between the MSHI and the WHOQOL-bref.

CONCLUSION

Better quality of life had correlation among the group with lower vocal handicap.

OUP accepted manuscript

This article explores the impact of online Irish traditional singing sessions on health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singing sessions are unique facets of Ireland’s music tradition that saw dramatic closure, interruption and digital transition in response to COVID-19 social distancing measures. This study highlights a gap in health promotion literature with regard to traditional singing sessions as a group singing activity and examines the potential for online group singing activities to have positive impacts on the health and well-being of participants. While traditional singing sessions foreground solo performances, they are quintessentially group activities, and include community engagement and active participation from singers and listeners alike. Through an online survey (n = 108), and ethnographic interviews (n = 3), this study explores potential health and well-being implications of online traditional singing sessions, and reveals four main areas of impact: social connection, enjoyment, cognitive motivation and timekeeping. The study suggests that online traditional singing sessions can promote health and well-being in participants, particularly during times of isolation.

This article explores the impact of online Irish traditional singing sessions on health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singing sessions are unique facets of Ireland’s music tradition which were forced to move online due to COVID-19 restrictions. This study used an online survey (n = 108), and interviews (n = 3), to explore the impact of these online sessions on the well-being of their participants. Findings showed the impacts to be overwhelmingly positive, particularly in four main areas: social connection, enjoyment, cognitive motivation, and timekeeping. This study highlights the value of traditional singing sessions as group singing activities for the purposes of health and well-being promotion, and suggests that online group singing activities can be beneficial, particularly during times of isolation.

A Study of the Experience of Working Adults on Regular Choral Activities: Applying Focus Groups

Maintaining a high quality of work and life can be a challenge for working adults. Most working adults do not have the opportunity to participate in activities that promote physical and emotional health. Working adults need to improve their potential to maintain life satisfaction and prevent a variety of stresses and physical illnesses. Recent research has suggested the effective value of art participation through choral activities for many people. However, little is known about what working adults experience through choir activities. In particular, research focusing on effects of choir participation on healthy people is lacking, and there is insufficient fundamental evidence about how to develop choral programs to improve the quality of healthy people’s lives. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of working adults in the process of regularly participating in choral activities. Our research question is “What experiences did the participants gain from the choir activities?”. Data was collected in three focus group interviews and additional individual interviews with 15 participants. Four themes emerged from this study: “self-improvement and sense of accomplishment”, “interaction and harmony”, “discovery of positive self-identity”, and “healing and happiness”. These findings could encourage choir activity in working adults and suggest that they can be applied as lifelong activities that can improve their quality of life with social interaction.

Multi-cultural perspectives on group singing among diverse older adults

Group choir singing has been shown to have health benefits for older adults. However, because most studies have included predominantly white participants, it is unknown whether findings generalize to older adults from more diverse backgrounds. This multi-site qualitative study assessed perceived benefits of group singing for socioeconomically and racially/ethnically diverse older adults. We interviewed 31 choir participants, 6 music professionals and 6 administrators involved in a large, cluster-randomized trial. We used content analysis to identify themes. Psychosocial engagement was most commonly reported, with six components: emotional well-being, self-esteem, self-confidence, social connection and support, decreased loneliness, and cultural identity and multi-cultural appreciation. A few reported cognitive and physical benefits. They also suggest that group singing among ethnically diverse older adults can have multiple psychosocial benefits and enhance a sense of cultural identity and appreciation of other cultures. These findings can help in selecting structured outcome measures for choir interventions.

'Singing has empowered, enchanted and enthralled me'-choirs for wellbeing?

Singing in groups is a global phenomenon and there is a growing body of evidence that singing can affect health and wellbeing. This is the first gender-based study to explore how women's perceptions of their own health and wellbeing can be affected by singing in a choir; and also how choral singing may have an impact on social inclusion. Qualitative data was collected from nine choirs in two regions of Norway. The sample consisted of 19 (n = 19) women aged 21-75 (mean age, 51.3.) who had sung in choirs from 6 months to 20 years (mean, 6.2 years). The sample population included those who identified as 'healthy' and those experiencing health issues such as cancer, depression, anxiety or fatigue. Two focus groups and 16 semi-structured interviews were carried out and the data were analyzed using grounded theory. Findings were that choral singing can affect women's perceptions of their wellbeing in four distinct ways: (i) through the joy of singing, (ii) experiencing singing as essential for survival, (iii) group singing as a route to social connection, which enhanced a sense of identity and of belonging, and thereby increased self-confidence and self-esteem and (iv) through promoting social inclusion. In the context of these findings, choral singing can be understood as a 'salutogenic' activity, that is, one that supports health and wellbeing. This has implications for self-care practice, social prescribing programs and public health policy.

Links Between the Neurobiology of Oxytocin and Human Musicality

The human species possesses two complementary, yet distinct, universal communication systems—language and music. Functional imaging studies have revealed that some core elements of these two systems are processed in closely related brain regions, but there are also clear differences in brain circuitry that likely underlie differences in functionality. Music affects many aspects of human behavior, especially in encouraging prosocial interactions and promoting trust and cooperation within groups of culturally compatible but not necessarily genetically related individuals. Music, presumably via its impact on the limbic system, is also rewarding and motivating, and music can facilitate aspects of learning and memory. In this review these special characteristics of music are considered in light of recent research on the neuroscience of the peptide oxytocin, a hormone that has both peripheral and central actions, that plays a role in many complex human behaviors, and whose expression has recently been reported to be affected by music-related activities. I will first briefly discuss what is currently known about the peptide’s physiological actions on neurons and its interactions with other neuromodulator systems, then summarize recent advances in our knowledge of the distribution of oxytocin and its receptor (OXTR) in the human brain. Next, the complex links between oxytocin and various social behaviors in humans are considered. First, how endogenous oxytocin levels relate to individual personality traits, and then how exogenous, intranasal application of oxytocin affects behaviors such as trust, empathy, reciprocity, group conformity, anxiety, and overall social decision making under different environmental conditions. It is argued that many of these characteristics of oxytocin biology closely mirror the diverse effects that music has on human cognition and emotion, providing a link to the important role music has played throughout human evolutionary history and helping to explain why music remains a special prosocial human asset. Finally, it is suggested that there is a potential synergy in combining oxytocin- and music-based strategies to improve general health and aid in the treatment of various neurological dysfunctions.

An evaluation of workplace choir singing amongst Health Service staff in Ireland

This paper explores the well-being ['well-being' and 'wellbeing' are used interchangeably in the literature. Well-being is used in this paper (except in the reference list where exact wording is maintained)] benefits of participation in a workplace choir for health service staff. A mixed method study, this project combines quantitative measures of work engagement, perceived stress, resilience levels and work absences with qualitative interviews with choir participants. It is the first study of workplace choirs in Ireland and one of very few studies internationally that research health service staff choirs. There is some preliminary evidence of benefits that choir attendance may increase positive perception of workers' mental health as well as effect depression rates. However, evidence is limited quantitatively and difficulties in measuring the health benefits of arts interventions are noted. Qualitative data, however, confirms previous study findings, namely that a workplace choir can promote social connectedness, enjoyment at work and staff engagement. Work place choir was also noted to appeal mainly to a limited demographic of work place staff and people with relatively positive health and well-being. Efforts must be made to engage staff from lower socio-economic backgrounds, diverse cultural backgrounds and male staff in work place health promotion activities, as these groups were found less likely to join a work place choir. Given the low cost and low risk of this activity, and the qualitative benefits reported, it is recommended to continue to develop and evaluate health service workplace choirs.

Wellbeing in Brass Bands: The Benefits and Challenges of Group Music Making

The wellbeing impacts of group music making have been established by evidence-based research. However, studies have largely focused on one group music activity; singing in choirs. To what extent can these wellbeing impacts be considered representative of group music making? This paper presents a survey of wellbeing impacts in brass band players. A wellbeing survey was designed to obtain qualitative information as well as quantitative data for computing descriptive statistics regarding both positive and negative impacts of group music making on wellbeing. The survey was distributed via Brass Bands England and 346 adult brass band players reported self-perceived wellbeing impacts across five categories; physical, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual. Responses were analyzed through a descriptive statistical approach combined with an applied thematic analysis that identified the wellbeing impacts expressed by the performers, as well as their valence (positive vs. negative). Areas of overlap between choral practice and brass band work were identified, most notably in the categories of physical, psychological, and social wellbeing; enhanced respiratory function and body posture, reduced stress, improved general mental health, and regular social interaction. We also identified wellbeing themes that are less common in choral research; impacts relating to the brass bands' physical demands, competitive tradition, community roles, and cross-generational social structures. Based on findings, we created a visual model of group music making impacts across five wellbeing categories as a basis for future research. A wider appreciation of the relationships between group music making and wellbeing can be achieved by expanding the present research base to varied music ensembles and adapting the present model to emerging findings. Testing in this systematic way would enhance understanding of the general wellbeing impacts of group music making that might be accounted for by universal brain and body processes vs. wellbeing impacts that may be unique to different ensemble types due to their particular performance styles, practice demands and traditions.

Enhancing mental health recovery by joining arts-based groups: a role for the social cure approach

BACKGROUND

. Even though emerging evidence suggests that participation in arts-based group programs are helpful in supporting mental health, the field lacks an established theorical framework. This study explored the extent to which participants' experiences of singing or creative writing groups aligned with theorising proposed by the social cure approach.

METHODS

. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 choir members, and 23 creative writing group members with chronic mental health conditions at two time points. Transcripts of the interviews were examined by four coders using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

. Consistent with social cure theorising, participation in the choir and creative writing group facilitated meeting participants' needs for belonging, support, self-efficacy, purpose, and positive emotions.

CONCLUSIONS

. This study demonstrated the psychosocial mechanisms by which participation in arts-based groups can enhance mental health. We conclude that engagement with the social cure framework may be useful to structure practice in this field.