The feel-good science
Singing is joyful in the moment. Research also suggests it can support social connection, lift mood and help people feel part of something shared.
Social connection
Research comparing different adult-education activities found singing groups became socially close more quickly than other groups — described by the researchers as an ‘ice-breaker effect’. Group singing may therefore help new colleagues feel connected sooner.
Read the study: Pearce, Launay & Dunbar, 2015Stress & mood
Small studies have observed changes in cortisol, oxytocin and reported mood around group singing. The findings suggest links with stress regulation and bonding, while not proving that singing alone caused the changes.
Read the study: Schladt et al., 2017Mental wellbeing
A systematic review of community singing for people experiencing mental health conditions found promising improvements in wellbeing, with belonging, confidence and enjoyment recurring across studies. The review also noted a moderate to high risk of bias.
Read the study: Williams et al., 2018Positive affect
In a modest quasi-experimental study, active choir singing was associated with greater increases in positive feelings and perceived social connection than attending without singing.
Read the study: Bullack et al., 2018Workplace teams
A large survey following a workplace choir programme in Norwegian hospitals found participants reported greater engagement, organisational commitment and positive change than non-participants. Because people chose whether to join, the study cannot isolate singing as the cause.
Read the study: Vaag et al., 2013Studies show associations between group singing and measures of mood, stress and social connection; they do not prove singing directly causes these benefits for every person or workplace. Sample sizes are often small and rigorous randomised trials remain limited. This page is for general interest, not medical advice.