The effects of group singing participation on psychological, social, and wellbeing outcomes among children, adolescents, and university students: a systematic literature review

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

Background: This systematicreview aims to identify and critically evaluate empirical studies examining theeffects of group singing on psychological, social, and wellbeing outcomes amongchildren, adolescents, and university students. Method: Relevant literature was retrieved fromfive academic databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus.Twenty studies met theinclusion criteria based on PRISMA guidelines. Results: Participationin group singing appears to be associated with reductions in negative emotionalresponses among student populations. Evidence suggests that group singing may contributeto psychological, social, and overall wellbeing by fostering socialconnectedness, enhancing self-concept, promoting positive emotions, andincreasing life satisfaction. Conclusion: However, current evidence isinsufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the specific effects of group singing participation.Further rigorous mixed-method and longitudinal studies are needed to addressmethodological limitations and clarify the impact of group singing.

Publication Title

Arts and Health

ISSN

17533015

DOI

10.1080/17533015.2026.2626429

Share

COinS