Page 135 - Glasbenopedagoški zbornik Akademije za glasbo, letnik 20, zvezek 40 ◆ The Journal of Music Education of the Academy of Music in Ljubljana, volume 20, issue 40

tory (STAI) were utilized in one study (Maltschweiger & Sattmann, 2016), fo-
cusing on the assessment of stress and anxiety levels as indicators of emotional
wellbeing. The Choral Activity Perceived Benefits Scale (CAPBES) was used in
one study (Fernández-Herranz et al., 2022) to measure overall wellbeing, spe-
cifically capturing perceived benefits related to choral activity. Five dimensions
emerged from 22 items in the CAPBES scale: satisfaction, ability, group engage-
ment, belonging and optimism.

Studies including adolescents and adults

Analysing studies mainly focused on adolescents (n = 4) that are examin-
ing various benefits from their involvement in choral singing reveals a variety
of positive effects on their overall wellbeing.
In terms of physical benefits, two studies (Acquah, 2016; Clift & Hancox,
2001) pointed out improvements in posture, controlled/deep breathing and
fitness, contributing to adolescents’ overall health. Emotional wellbeing was a
common thread in three studies (Acquah, 2016; Clift & Hancox, 2001; Park- Jovana Milošević ◆ CHORAL SINGING AS A MEANS OF INCREASING WELLBEING IN YOUTH AND ADULTS: PRISMA REVIEW
er, 2014), showcasing benefits such as boosted mood, stress reduction and in-
creased self-confidence. Two studies (Acquah, 2016; Parker, 2014) examined
cognitive benefits, emphasizing enhancements in musical skills and focused at-
tention fostered by choir participation. Social benefits emerged as a common
theme across all studies, highlighting the positive impact on social identity,
friendships and teamwork, while the spiritual benefits were explicitly addressed
in two studies (Acquah, 2016; Clift & Hancox, 2001), indicating a sense of
connectedness and spiritual growth. One study (Linnemann et al., 2017) pro-
vided limited evidence for direct social benefits as a positive effect of choral
singing. Overall, the synthesis supports a multifaceted understanding of the
wellbeing benefits associated with adolescent choir participation.
The other eight studies (n = 8) primarily involved adults as participants
who are engaged in choral singing and examined various aspects of wellbe-
ing: emotional, physical, psychological, social and cognitive. Three studies (33.3%)
highlight emotional wellbeing improvements such as: reduced anxiety, stress re-
lief, and enhanced mood (Clift & Hancox, 2001; Livesey et al., 2012; Stewart
& Lonsdale, 2016). Two studies (16.6%) emphasized physical benefits, includ-
ing: improved respiratory and vocal health, enhanced physical fitness, and con-
trolled breathing (Clift et al., 2010; Livesey et al., 2012). In two studies (16.6%),
psychological benefits were identified, such as: oxytocin release and positive af-
fect (Good & Russo, 2021; Stewart & Lonsdale, 2016). In terms of social well-
being, benefits were found in three studies (33.3), including: social support, a
sense of community, and enhanced social connection (Clift & Hancox, 2001;
Livesey et al., 2012; Stewart & Lonsdale, 2016). Cognitive benefits are evident
in two studies (16.6.%), highlighting brain stimulation, focused attention, and
improved abilities (Clift et al., 2010; Jozić & Butković, 2023).

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