Effects of Choir Singing or Listening on Secretory Immunoglobulin A, Cortisol, and Emotional State

Abstract

The present study investigates the effects of choir music on secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA), cortisol, and emotional states in members of a mixed amateur choir. Subjects participated in two conditions during two rehearsals 1 week apart, namely singing versus listening to choral music. Saliva samples and subjective measures of affect were taken both before each session and 60 min later. Repeated measure analyses of variance were conducted for positive and negative affect scores, S-IgA, and cortisol. Results indicate several significant effects. In particular, singing leads to increases in positive affect and S-IgA, while negative affect is reduced. Listening to choral music leads to an increase in negative affect, and decreases in levels of cortisol. These results suggest that choir singing positively influences both emotional affect and immune competence. The observation that subjective and physiological responses differed between listening and singing conditions invites further investigation of task factors.

Choral singing therapy following stroke or Parkinson’s disease: an exploration of participants’ experiences

“…It was experienced while listening to music and singing [92] but also following choir participation, which may be generated by hormonal and related immune changes [18,48]. This is consistent with literature on music therapy for stroke [35,37], along with a similar study involving choral singing solely for people with aphasia [34].…”

“…Small-scale choral studies with PD have shown improvements in QOL [40], speech intelligibility [41], breath control, and prosody [42]. Large-scale studies of choir participation with healthy older adults indicate improved QOL [43,44], social engagement [45,46], mood [47], immune functioning [48], and overall health [49].…”

Experiences of pregnant women attending a lullaby programme in Limerick, Ireland: A qualitative study

“…These authors found that music had a relaxing effect on participants and they attributed this finding to the release of the neurohormone melatonin. Other researchers found that levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, were reduced in response to music and this factor led to a reduction of anxiety and improved immune system functioning (Avers et al, 2007;Kreutz et al, 2004). Most people enjoy listening to music and are aware of music's mood enhancing properties.…”

Is Group Singing Special? Health, Well‐Being and Social Bonds in Community‐Based Adult Education Classes

“…Quantitative comparison has demonstrated that active group singing yields a greater increase in positive affect and decrease in negative affect compared both to passive listening to music (Kreutz et al, 2003; though see Unwin, Kenny, & Davis, 2002, where although there were no significant differences between singers and listeners, singers did show more robust changes) and discussing positive personal experiences (Kreutz, 2014). The elevated positive affect and hedonic feelings associated with group singing may lead to perception of greater well-being, which may also be tied into better mental health.…”