| Title | Help is on its Way: Exploring the Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes of a Massed Community Choir Program. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2023 |
| Authors | Bartleet B-L, Boydell K, Walton J, Young P |
| Journal | Arts Health |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 257-274 |
| Date Published | 2023 Oct |
| ISSN | 1753-3023 |
| Keywords | Australia, Emotions, Focus Groups, Humans, Mental Health, Singing |
| Abstract | 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 a sense of connectedness (psychological), but also 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. |
| DOI | 10.1080/17533015.2022.2094432 |
| Alternate Journal | Arts Health |
| PubMed ID | 35791908 |
The Sound Health Network is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the University of California, San Francisco, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and Renée Fleming.