Harmony and well-being: The effects of age, extroversion, and singing experience, on subjective well-being due to choral singing

Crook, Alison (2014) Harmony and well-being: The effects of age, extroversion, and singing experience, on subjective well-being due to choral singing. New University of Buckinghamshire. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Research into choral singing suggests that a range of benefits, including improved psychological well-being, mood, and reduced stress, are reported consistently, across a range of backgrounds, nationalities and levels of singing expertise. However, different factors are emphasised by amateur and professional singers (Bailey & Davidson, 2005). Furthermore, only one study to date has considered the effects of age (Livesey, Morrison, Clift & Camic, 2012), and only Busch and Gick (2012) have considered the effects of personality in relation to well-being due to choral singing. For this study, 182 choir members, aged from 18 to 77 years, completed the ‘Wellbeing and Choral Singing Scale’ (Clift & Hancox, 2010), and the ‘Eysenck Personality Inventory’ (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1964). Additionally, one open-ended question provided information on any additional benefits of singing. A three-way ANOVA indicated a significant interaction effect, with differential effects emerging for introverts and extroverts, according to their age and level of expertise. Independent samples t-tests indicated a significant difference between the ratings of younger and older introverts with no previous singing experience, with younger participants reporting greater benefits than older participants. Additional results of a content analysis identified six main themes, relating to social benefits, confidence/self-esteem, affect/emotions, cognitive/physiological health, singing/music, and new experiences. It is concluded that choral singing is beneficial to all, but that personality, age, and singing expertise interact, leading to individual differences in the importance placed on the factors which combine to provide these benefits.