Can choir singing reduce depression and increase quality of life in middle aged people? A research project with qEEG testing

Can choir singing reduce depression and increase quality of life in middle aged people? A research project with qEEG testing

2013-04-01 00:00:00 14m

Midlife depression could be a significant precursor to later life limitations. Psychosocial efforts to reduce target symptoms of chronic somatic and mental health problems may lead to a decrease in lowered quality of life. Midlife is a powerful time for the expression of human potential because it combines the capacity for insightful reflection with a powerful desire to create meaning in life. The current study examined whether symptoms of depression, traumatic stress and anxiety in middle age can be ameliorated through a choir program. 

Thirty-two community dwelling middle aged volunteers were tested for depression, post traumatic stress, wellbeing and quality of life before and after the intervention of choir singing. A mixed methods quasi-experimental design was used in which an experimental choir group of twenty one participants was compared to a wait list control group of eleven subjects after random selection. Nine participants from the choir were randomly selected for quantum electronencephalogram testing (qEEG) pre and post the intervention. 

This was to ascertain whether the choir program could create any positive changes in brain wave frequencies when compared to the pre/post psychometric tests. The choir program included insight meditation, physical and singing exercises and learning new song material. Social interaction was encouraged during and after each practice session. The study was for eight weeks.

Preliminary data indicated a positive trend towards confirming the hypothesis that choir singing can reduce depression and create harmonic hemispheric symmetry. Further data will be reported with this paper along with video excerpts to illustrate salient aspects of the findings. Singing is a powerful ‘dreaming’ modality in which a person may discover positive insights and worldview perceptions. Chronic health problems including mental issues may show improvements as a result of the choral program. Singing, meditation and social interactions can facilitate happiness and feelings of wellbeing.

Areas of Interest / Categories: Anxiety, Dreams, EEG, Meditation, WCP 2011
Play
My List

WCP 2011

Defining the concept of spirituality among Filipino counselors and clients.

Defining the concept of spirituality among Filipino counselors and clients.

The individual and the couple in the context of the perinatal experience. A dream or a nightmare?

The individual and the couple in the context of the perinatal experience. A dream or a nightmare?

"There is no such thing as marriage - merely two scapegoats sent out by their families to perpetuate themselves". Whittaker & Keith 1981. This presentation will explore the experience of Anxiety and Depression for both men and women, in the perinatal period. The perinatal period offers a unique opportunity to provide comprehensive care for parents diagnosed with perinatal Anxiety and/or Depression. There is significant evidence that the partner's risk for developing a related Anxiety or Depression, is increased from 4.8% to 36% at 6 weeks postnatally. 

The universality of infant-parent psychotherapy - a South African model

The universality of infant-parent psychotherapy - a South African model

The birth of the democratic South Africa opened up the possibility of meeting with fellow citizens who had previously been kept apart.  Since 1995 a model of  infant-parent psychotherapy has been developed resulting in a mental health service which has come to be valued within the community.

Complex trauma: voices of healing

Complex trauma: voices of healing

Within the context of the recent natural disasters occurring around the world, attention has been focussed on trauma's psychological consequences. The trauma spotlighted here is on that of childhood maltreatment and the effects on subsequent adult life. Described in this paper are experiences of recovery from patient perspectives, and an examination of how these are different from, and interact with, representations of therapy derived from published expert theoristpractitioner experience. It is based on a phenomenological study of reports from seven women with histories of chronic childhood maltreatment. These women have since been through significant recovery from dissociative symptoms, and it is this part of their journey that was the focus of this research. From the data, two models are proposed.

The Light In Darkness - Art-therapy, a powerful tool in Palliative Care!

The Light In Darkness - Art-therapy, a powerful tool in Palliative Care!

Over the years, we as health care providers have proven that a good perinatal preparation, a good birthing process and a good postnatal care ensures the physical and mental well being of the newborn and his mother. A similar opportunity for quality outcome should be afforded at life`s final phase - preparation and a good 'gateway' for the dying person, as well as a good follow - up period of those left behind. A good death needs guidance to settle outstanding issues, to articulate values, beliefs and doubts and to live the remaining period of life in the fullest and most meaningful way. Early contact is pivotal to learn about our client and his life history. This time is needed to build our client`s trust, to endorse our commitment, and to collect the tools needed to guide him through the gateway and when taking his last breath. It is equally important to meet the immediate needs of his family and to develop the crucial trusting partnership that will ensure a good dying process for their loved one in setting of his choice, and a better acceptance of their loss. It is realistic to assume that people in the future will invest in their final time. 

Lateral violence and Indigenous peoples.

Lateral violence occurs when the violence associated with oppression is internalised by those who are oppressed, and redirected between the members of the oppressed group. Among Aboriginal and Torres

Clinical dream incubation and body

Clinical dream incubation and body

For 1000 years during the beginning of Western medicine (500 B.C. - 500 A.D.,) of the hundreds of medical treatments offered at the time, only dream-based medicine was ubiquitously practiced throughout