Salutogenic Effects of Music

• Category: ResearchSubject: Health promotion: Essential dimensions, services and educational needsAuthor: Lars Cernerud, MD, MPH, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Caring and Public Health Sciences, Mälardalen University, PO Box 883, SE-721 23 Västerås, SwedenTitle: Salutogenic effects of musicObjective: The objective was to explore salutogenic effects of singing in choir.Introduction: There is evidence for endocrinological, neurological, physiological, psychological and sociological influence of music on human health. Music used in medical therapy is proportionately well described and established. However, the salutogenic effects of music on human well being need scrutiny. Listening to music, practicing music and creating music are means by which music may act salutogenic. Practisers may sing or use instruments alone (as soloists) or in group (choir or orchestra). In the present study members of church choirs were asked about self perceived benefits and disadvantages for health by singing in choir.Results: There was a strong agreement about the enhancing effects on well being among the choir singers. Joy, stimulation, concentration and relaxation were common experiences. The choir was also denoted as a retreat for feelings, creative work and social community. The church choir members also highlighted some negative (non-salutogenic) aspects of singing in choir, which are worthwhile to go deeper into for analysis and discussion.Discussion and Conclusion: In this study the psychological and sociological aspects of practising music in group were obvious. Actually the answers might also have been received from i.e. members of the church sewing association. However, the members of the church choirs have one thing in common, the love of singing church music together and the feelings evoked by it. This makes them stick together and experience salutogenic feelings. There are examples of nations under occupation where a strong culture of singing in choir helps citizens to stand the hardship and survive mentally.Keywords: Salutogenic factors, Music, Singing, Choir

Nyckelord

Salutogenic Factors

Music

Singing

Choir

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ref (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)