S Clift1, S Page2, N Daykin3, E Peasgood4. 1. Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, The Block, 69 Tontine Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1JR, UK. Electronic address: s.clift@btinternet.com. 2. Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, The Block, 69 Tontine Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1JR, UK. Electronic address: sonia.page@canterbury.ac.uk. 3. Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, The Block, 69 Tontine Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1JR, UK. Electronic address: norma.daykin@winchester.ac.uk. 4. Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, The Block, 69 Tontine Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1JR, UK. Electronic address: emily.peasgood@canterbury.ac.uk.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: A survey to explore the extent to which a choir programme associated with the British Armed Forces provides benefits of wives and partners and families of military personnel. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. METHOD: Online self-completion questionnaires to survey 464 choir members and 173 committee members who were also participants in the choirs. RESULTS: Large majorities of participants report personal and social benefits from their engagement in choirs, as well as benefits for their health and well-being. Challenges facing choirs were also identified associated with performance demands and inter-personal relationships within choirs. CONCLUSIONS: Group singing generates a range of personal, social and health benefits for wives and partners of armed services personnel. The study reveals some challenges arising in all-female choirs in military settings and suggests potential areas for further research.
OBJECTIVES: A survey to explore the extent to which a choir programme associated with the British Armed Forces provides benefits of wives and partners and families of military personnel. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. METHOD: Online self-completion questionnaires to survey 464 choir members and 173 committee members who were also participants in the choirs. RESULTS: Large majorities of participants report personal and social benefits from their engagement in choirs, as well as benefits for their health and well-being. Challenges facing choirs were also identified associated with performance demands and inter-personal relationships within choirs. CONCLUSIONS: Group singing generates a range of personal, social and health benefits for wives and partners of armed services personnel. The study reveals some challenges arising in all-female choirs in military settings and suggests potential areas for further research.