Exploring the impact of choral singing on mindfulness

Abstract

A wealth of academic research demonstrates an empirical link between choral singing and well-being. This study investigated the construct of state mindfulness as a potential generative mechanism by which this link exists. A within-subject design measured levels of state mindfulness in choristers before and after a choir rehearsal. Assessing state mindfulness before and after listening to a piece of music at home acted as the control condition. State mindfulness was assessed by the Mindful State Questionnaire (MSQ) among a sample of 83 adult amateur choristers (65 females, mean age 51.9 years). The development and psychometric properties of the MSQ are described. Paired t-tests revealed significant increases in levels of state mindfulness for both conditions (choir singing; t = 10.82, p < .001, η2 = 0.58; listening to music; t = 4.48, p < .001, η2 = 0.21), however the effect sizes and confidence intervals indicated a far greater effect for the choral singing condition. Limitations and future recommendations are discussed, with examples of opportunities to incorporate these findings into the promotion of mental health in Ireland.