Community arts and child wellbeing

There is growing evidence to suggest that group singing in the community can have positive outcomes for physical and psychological wellbeing. To date, research has focused on adult populations. This study aimed to add to existing understanding of the impact group singing can have on children’s psychological wellbeing.
A mixed method study was carried out to investigate the impact of a community group singing project on the psychological wellbeing of school children in the London area. Self-rated measures of psychological wellbeing and identity as a singer were administered to 60 children aged 7-11 at three time points. A teacher-rated measure of psychological difficulties was also administered. Finally, a sample of children discussed their experience of the project in focus groups and music teacher interviews were carried out.
Quantitative data did not confirm the hypothesis that choir member’s psychological wellbeing would increase following participation in the singing project. Identity as a singer scores were higher for females than males, and correlated with scores of psychological wellbeing. Qualitative data provided evidence for a range of beneficial outcomes for children.
Research limitations: The small number of participants recruited for the non-choir control group is a significant limitation of quantitative methods in this study.
Originality: Although group singing appears to be a positive experience for children who participate, findings suggest the impact may be more subtle for children with high levels of psychological wellbeing.