Help is on its Way: Exploring the Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes of a Massed Community Choir Program

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background This paper explores the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of a massed community choir program in Australia. Methods This study employed a mixed methods approach. Data were collected via a survey of choir participants (N = 305), four qualitative interviews and focus groups with facilitators and participants (N = 22), and two workshops with organising staff (N = 5). Questions were derived from a co-designed program logic, and data were triangulated and analysed thematically. Results Participants reported feeling a sense of connectedness (psychological), but also experiencing connection (social) with their fellow singers. Psychological outcomes included the sensations of affect, arousal, and affirmation. Social outcomes included experiencing belonging, inclusion, and sharing. These positive psycho-social experiences promoted positive mental health and wellbeing outcomes in the large group of participating singers. Conclusions This paper addresses gaps in our understanding about the mental health and wellbeing outcomes fostered by community choirs at scale.