Work

The effect of group singing interventions on health biomarkers in people with stigmatising conditions: a scoping review protocol

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Group singing has been shown to have positive effects on health and well-being. These interventions have been shown to generally be helpful in enhancing health outcomes in people with stigmatising conditions. However, the effect of these interventions on biological markers of health is less understood. This scoping review will map the existing evidence on the effect of group singing interventions on biomarkers in people with stigmatising health conditions, such as HIV. This scoping review aims to explore the relationship between group singing interventions and biomarkers in people with stigmatising health conditions. METHODS: This review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. We will search the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. We will also search grey literature sources, such as conference proceedings and dissertations. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, and full-text articles for inclusion. Data will be extracted using a standardised form (PRISMA-SCR), and a narrative synthesis will be conducted. This review will consider studies that include adults with stigmatising health conditions who have participated in group singing interventions. Studies must also include biomarkers as outcome measures. DISCUSSION: Our research will provide a significant contribution by taking a more specific approach to understanding how group singing interventions affect health biomarkers in populations that have been historically excluded due to stigma. Our focus on objective outcomes of this social intervention may inform future research on the best ways to use group singing interventions, including who is most affected, what specific health benefits can be derived from group singing, and the strength of evidence of group singing in general. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: This review was pre-registered on OSF at https://osf.io/qbg7x/ .

Source: Systematic Reviews

DOI: 10.1186/s13643-025-02971-4

Authors: Ayoub Bouguettaya, Kylie Reeves, Phoebe Tat, Judy Y. Tan

Institutions: Monash University, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Music Therapy and Health

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090