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An exploration into online singing and mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic for people with anxiety and/or depression

Emily Foulkes

International Journal of Community Music November 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1386/ijcm_00049_1 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 7
Population People with anxiety and/or depression who were socially prescribed to the programme
Intervention Online singing and mindfulness programme
Duration Nine-week programme
Measures HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), WEMWBS (Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale)
Topics Anxiety Depression Meditation
Key findings Participants reported positive impacts on their wellbeing from the online singing and mindfulness programme, describing it as a safe space to connect with others, build confidence, break down barriers, and feel relaxed and energized. The authors propose that such online programmes may act as an effective 'gateway' into face-to-face activities for those experiencing barriers to engagement.

Abstract

It is reported that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on increasing mental health problems and exacerbating existing mental health conditions. The aim was to explore the potential of an online singing and mindfulness programme for people with anxiety and/or depression. Seven participants were socially prescribed to a nine-week programme of online singing and mindfulness delivered by the practitioner-researcher. Participants completed the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and WEMWBS (Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) at baseline and after the sessions. Participants kept journals and completed a questionnaire after the programme. Field notes were kept. Data were triangulated to form themes for discussion. Participants reported positive impacts on their wellbeing. The programme offered a safe space to connect with others; build confidence; break down barriers and to feel both relaxed and energized. Online singing and mindfulness may provide an effective ‘gateway’ into face-to-face activities for those experiencing barriers to engagement.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with a life-threatening disease: A qualitative study of acute and sustained subjective effects Patients with anxiety associated with life-threatening diseases 2014 Prospective follow-up with qualitative content analysis n = 10
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
Cancer at the Dinner Table: Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Distress Adult participants with clinically elevated anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis 2017 Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis n = 13
Extended difficulties following the use of psychedelic drugs: A mixed methods study Participants who reported extended difficulties following psychedelic experiences 2023 Convergent mixed-method study n = 608
Mindfulness and compassion-oriented practices at work reduce distress and enhance self-care of palliative care teams: a mixed-method evaluation of an “on the job“ program Interdisciplinary palliative care team staff 2017 Observational mixed-method pilot evaluation n = 28

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Anxiety Depression Meditation