Page 138 - 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

es Scale (SEES) and instruments measuring stress and anxiety levels like the
glasbenopedagoški zbornik ◆ letnik/volume 20 ◆ številka/number 40
Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and the State-Trait Anxiety Invento-
ry (STAI). Each study used multiple instruments to measure specific aspects
of wellbeing, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of
choral singing.
Reviewing and analysing studies on choral singing benefits for adoles-
cents and adults reveals a range of positive effects on overall wellbeing. Studies
focused on adolescents (n = 4) revealed positive effects on physical, emotion-
al, cognitive and social wellbeing. Physical benefits included improvements
in posture, controlled breathing and fitness. Emotional benefits encompassed
boosted mood, stress reduction and increased self-confidence. Cognitive ben-
efits emphasized enhancements in musical skills and focused attention. So-
cial benefits highlighted positive impacts on social identity, friendships and
teamwork. Spiritual benefits, indicating a sense of connectedness and spiritual
growth, were explicit in two studies. Studies primarily involving adults (n = 8)
demonstrated emotional wellbeing improvements, physical, psychological, so-
cial and cognitive benefits.
The synthesis supports a multifaceted understanding of the wellbeing
benefits associated with both adolescent and adult choir participation. Differ-
ences and similarities across studies underscore the nuanced impact of choral
singing on emotional, psychological, social, cognitive and physical wellbeing.
Emotional benefits were consistently observed in both age groups, while physi-
cal benefits were more emphasized in adolescents. Social wellbeing emerged as
a universal theme, indicating positive impacts on social identity, relationships
and community connection. The cognitive benefits of increased focus and im-
proved musical skills were evident across age groups. Overall, the comprehen-
sive analysis reveals a rich tapestry of wellbeing dimensions influenced by cho-
ral singing across diverse demographic groups.
For adolescents (n = 4), physical improvements in posture, controlled
breathing and fitness were noted (Clift & Hancox, 2001; Acquah, 2016), along-
side emotional benefits like mood enhancement and stress reduction (Clift &
Hancox, 2001; Acquah, 2016). Cognitive benefits, including enhanced mu-
sical skills and focused attention, were highlighted in two studies (Acquah,
2016; Parker, 2014). Socially, positive impacts on social identity, friendships
and teamwork were consistent themes across all adolescent-focused studies.
Spiritual benefits, indicating a sense of connectedness and growth, were ex-
plicitly addressed in two studies (Clift & Hancox, 2001; Acquah, 2016).
The other eight studies (n = 8) primarily involved adults as participants en-
gaged in choral singing, exploring various dimensions of wellbeing: emotional,
physical, psychological, social and cognitive. Three studies (n = 3) highlighted
emotional wellbeing improvements, demonstrating reduced anxiety, stress relief
and enhanced mood (Clift & Hancox, 2001; Livesey et al., 2012; Stewart & Lons-
dale, 2016). Two studies (n = 2) emphasized physical benefits, including improved

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