Journal article
How participation in group singing in the community impacts on emotional wellbeing: A qualitative study on the perspectives of group singing participants
Australian Journal of Music Therapy, Vol.32, pp.1-18
2021
Abstract
Group singing has a positive effect on participant wellbeing when used as a clinical intervention across a variety of disciplines. This paper adds to the research that investigates the impact of group singing on emotional wellbeing within the general population. Contemporary authors recommend more qualitative research is needed into the potential role of group singing as both music therapy and an adjunct to psychotherapy. This study qualitatively explored how group singing impacts emotional wellbeing for members of the general population. Sixty-eight participants were surveyed anonymously online. Six open-ended questions explored the experience of singing group participation and the responses were then analysed thematically. Five main themes were identified: 1) an enhanced sense of self in group presence, 2) experiencing group singing as uplifting, 3) meaningful camaraderie with other singers, 4) engagement with expressive capacities, and 5) experiencing a sanctuary for self. Previous findings describing group singing as an uplifting activity that improves affect, facilitates social connection, provides a personal sanctuary, has therapeutic benefit and is experienced mindfully were supported. Unique findings that group singing can be experienced as accepting, non-judgemental, reliably mood-enhancing and somatically exhilarating were found. Further, group singing can provide the opportunity for non-conventional socialisation, personal and cultural expression and growth experienced through challenge. This study has explored the effects of group singing from the perspective of participants. Music therapists and counsellor practitioners may consider group singing as a compatible adjunct or transitional therapy for their clients. Ten specific recommendations for further research have been proposed toward further exploring how the process of group singing may be therapeutic for community participants.
Details
- Title
- How participation in group singing in the community impacts on emotional wellbeing: A qualitative study on the perspectives of group singing participants
- Authors
- Belinda Densley (Author) - Australian College of Applied PsychologyKatrina Andrews (Author) - Australian College of Applied Psychology
- Publication details
- Australian Journal of Music Therapy, Vol.32, pp.1-18
- Publisher
- Australian Music Therapy Association Inc.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Law and Society; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99563908502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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