The Use of Singing in a Group as a Response to Adverse Life Events

Abstract

There is an emerging body of research focusing on the value of singing, as a leisure activity, for well-being and health and as a way to cope with life's stresses. Using grounded theory, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a community sample of 16 participants involved in a number of singing groups who had experienced an adverse life event. Results suggested that the singing group served multiple psychosocial functions, which are underpinned by both interpersonal and intrapersonal mechanisms. Group singing appeared to be a valuable coping strategy for people going through challenging times, and may also be beneficial for clinical populations.

Keywords:

• adverse life events
• well-being
• group singing
• arts and health
• grounded theory