Experimental Study of the Impact of Group Singing in Senior’s Subjective Well-being

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the participation in a singing program in the subjective well-being (SWB) of seniors. Method: This study, with experimental methodology, used structured measures on the affective and cognitive dimensions of SWB (Positive Affect and Negative Affect – PANAS - and Satisfaction with Life - SWLS) to test the impact of a short singing program (10 sessions, during four weeks), on seniors attending a day care facility. Thirty seniors (aged between 61 and 92 years old) accepted to participate in the singing program and were randomly assigned into two groups (experimental and control): 26 completed the intervention (four men, 15.3%; 22 women, 84.6%, M = 75 years of age). Results: There was a significant decrease in negative affect in the experimental group after the intervention, which was significantly lower compared to the control group. However, this effect was not sustained at follow-up measurement, eight weeks after intervention. A qualitative analysis of the perception of individuals about their participation in the program showed gains in social support and interaction between participants, in the expression of positive emotions and in knowledge acquisition. Conclusion: The results suggest that singing groups programs may promote SWB variables.