Group singing improves both physical and psychological wellbeing in people with and without chronic health conditions: A narrative review

J Health Psychol. 2022 Jul;27(8):1897-1912. doi: 10.1177/13591053211012778. Epub 2021 Apr 29.

Abstract

The aim of this narrative review was to establish a link between psychological and physical wellbeing in people with and without chronic health conditions who participated in group singing. Four databases were searched (PubMed, WoS, MEDLINE, and Scopus) using a systematic search method. Articles were screened, yielding 19 suitable articles. In most studies that were included group singing led to an increase in both psychological and physiological wellbeing. The major impacts were on affect and depression and anxiety.Group singing positively affects both physical and psychological wellbeing in people with and without chronic health conditions. No direction of causality could be established.

Keywords: affect; choir; chronic illness; health psychology; psychological distress; respiratory problems; singing; social interaction; stress; well-being.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Singing* / physiology