Page 136 - 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

Studies with Comparison Groups
glasbenopedagoški zbornik ◆ letnik/volume 20 ◆ številka/number 40

In three (n = 3) out of the twelve studies reviewed (33.3%), comparison groups
were included, allowing for a comparative examination of the benefits associ-
ated with choir participation. These studies delved into the distinct outcomes
and differences between individuals engaged in choral singing and those par-
ticipating in other musical and non-musical activities. This comparative analy-
sis contributes to a better understanding of the specific advantages and unique
impacts of choral singing in contrast to other activities and conditions.
In the study conducted by Lonsdale and Day (2020), which had six compar-
ison groups – (a) choir singing, (b) solo singing, (c) orchestra/band membership,
(d) solo musicianship, (e) team sports participation, and (f) individual sports
engagement – no significant differences were found in psychological wellbeing
(happiness, anxiety, depression, self-esteem) among these groups. This study, us-
ing Self-Determination Theory, found that choir singers and team sports players
reported higher levels of social connectedness, emphasizing a sense of belonging
and shared goals. However, choir singers and team sports players reported lower
autonomy, indicating less individual freedom compared to those engaged in solo
activities or playing music in a band or orchestra. All groups, regardless of the
activity, reported similar levels of competence, indicating that any activity pro-
viding opportunities for mastery and improvement can contribute to wellbeing.
Overall, while choir singing may involve less individual autonomy, its unique
social and communal aspects contribute positively to participants’ wellbeing.
Stewart and Lonsdale (2016) explored the psychological and social aspects
of (a) choral singing compared to (b) solo singing and (c) team sports. Choral
singers, after rehearsal, reported oxytocin release, improved mood, positive af-
fect and a sense of connection, shared goals, social bonding and togetherness.
The study revealed that choral singers and team sports players reported high-
er subjective wellbeing than solo singers. Using also Self-Determination The-
ory, they found that solo singers scored higher in autonomy, but team sports
players and choral singers scored higher in identified regulation. Choral sing-
ers considered their choirs more entitative than team sports players considered
their teams. Perceived entitativity significantly predicted psychological well-
being for both choral singers and team sports players. The study showed that
choir singing offers unique benefits in terms of social connection, positive af-
fect and entitativity compared to solo singing and team sports. However, au-
tonomy levels were lower for choral singers, suggesting a potential trade-off be-
tween individual autonomy and social connection.
Maltschweiger and Sattmann (2016) investigated the psychological and so-
cial benefits of (a) choir participation, (b) theatre group involvement, (c) brass
band membership, and (d) concert listening. Choir and theatre group partici-
pants reported greater satisfaction with rehearsals, positive affect and reduced
stress compared to the brass band. Interestingly, the brass band experienced

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