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Group choir, creative writing improves mental health

Arts-based group participation improved positive and negative emotions among adults with chronic mental health problems, and had a lasting effect on negative emotions, according to recent findings.

“There is a growing literature on the benefits of choir singing for participants of all ages and circumstances, some coming from a music therapy perspective, others from a community music perspective, or an applied music psychology perspective,” Genevieve Dingle, PhD, of University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, and colleagues wrote. “Longitudinal studies suggest that the accumulated emotional effects of singing translate into longer-term mental well-being for older adults, socially marginalized adults, and individuals with chronic mental and physical health issues.”

To evaluate emotional effects of arts-based group participation in adults with mental health problems, researchers evaluated 62 adults, of which 39 had chronic mental health problems, who were members of arts-based groups. The study cohort also included 23 comparison choir members who were not experiencing specific mental health problems. Participants self-reported emotions upon waking, the hour before group, end of group, and evening.

Arts-based group participants reported more affect worsening strategies than comparison choir members (P = .057 vs. P = .08).

There were no other significant group differences, according to researchers.

All participants exhibited increases in positive emotions (P < .001) and decreases in negative emotions (P < .001) during arts-based activity.

Effects on positive emotions were short-term, while effects on negative emotions lasted until evening.

“People with chronic mental health conditions tend to experience difficulties with emotion perception and regulation, which can have a big impact on their social relationships. These symptoms are not well treated with medication or psychotherapy,” Dingle said in a press release. “The findings of this study are exciting because they clearly show the potential for participation in arts-based groups to influence emotions and emotion regulation in positive ways.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Please see the study for a full list of relevant financial disclosures.