This UK study recruited 58 adults who had been bereaved due to cancer in the last 5 years were recruited and elected to join a choir (n=29) or participate in the non-intervention control group (n=29). Joining a choir involved engaging in 90 minute weekly singing and social sessions for 12 weeks with a post intervention assessment at 24 weeks. Participants who sang in a choir had more stable symptoms of depression and levels of well being as well as gradual improvements in in self-esteem. In contrast, the control group showed gradual increases in depressive symptoms and reduction in levels of well-being. The authors conclude weekly singing could be a promising mutual support intervention for people experiencing grief.
Fancourt, D. 2019. Group singing in bereavement: effects on mental health, self-efficacy, self-esteem and well-being. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, epub ahead of print September 2019.
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