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Catch Us Next at NEMuR10

 On April 26th, 2024 our PhD researchers Dana Greaves, Emily Cooper, and Bruna Francisco Martins will be presenting at the NEMuR10 Conference in Hull (click here to find out more!). They will be critically and broadly reviewing the current known research on the physical, mental, and well-being benefits of singing, presenting the plans for their own research, and spotlighting our network, Singing in Balance, to encourage collaboration and open access research. The abstract is posted below. We'll see you there!

Research has found that singing, both individually and in a group, can have many benefits on one’s physical health, mental health, and wellbeing. Regarding physical health, many studies have focused on health conditions such as cancer, chronic pain, and Parkinson’s in which the results found improved breathing, posture, and muscle tension with singing interventions. Emerging studies also identify singing benefits to individuals struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and dementia. These studies indicate that singing may improve self-regulation, sense of purpose, and personal expression. Finally, there is a significant body of studies that identify singing’s impact on psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Singing can improve life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and positive emotions and in group settings it can provide a sense of belonging, self-identity, group identity, and cohesion as well as facilitate the ‘ice breaker’ effect. The present review aims to provide an insightful overview of the knowledge available in this field and publicize it as well as spotlight the network and projects the researchers are involved in regarding the topic of singing for health and wellbeing.

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