The perceived effects of singing on the health and wellbeing of wives and partners of members of the British Armed Forces: a cross-sectional survey

Objectives
A survey to explore the extent to which a choir programme associated with the British Armed Forces provides benefits of wives and partners and families of military personnel.

Study design
A cross-sectional survey.

Method
Online self-completion questionnaires to survey 464 choir members and 173 committee members who were also participants in the choirs.

Results
Large majorities of participants report personal and social benefits from their engagement in choirs, as well as benefits for their health and wellbeing. Challenges facing choirs were also identified associated with performance demands and inter-personal relationships within choirs.

Conclusions
Group singing generates a range of personal, social and health benefits for wives and partners of armed services personnel. The study reveals some challenges arising in all female choirs in military settings and suggests potential areas for further research.