Korsang som recovery-fremmende tiltak for personer med psykiske helseplager

Abstract

Choral singing has the potential to help people recover from mental health problems, yet little research exists in this field. In this study, 11 participants in a 10-week choral singing project took part in focus group interviews. The aim was to investigate how this weekly activity contributed to recovery processes in adults with mental health problems. Participants experienced the choir rehearsals as a setting that was devoid of stigma and psychiatric diagnoses as well as a safe environment for exposing their own vulnerability. Further, they experienced a “healthy” attitude, and the sessions gave them a boost of joy and positivity. In addition, the symptom reduction and improved self-understanding that resulted had a positive influence on participants’ everyday life and other social arenas. Adjustment of song repertoire and exercises to the participants’ skills, is essential in order to experience mastery. The conductor plays a central role, as he or she must master both the musical and relational aspects, necessary to support recovery in participants. For the choir to become an arena for individual development and learning, it is required that participants support each other and allow for individual approaches to overcome own challenges.