The perceived effects of singing on the health and well-being 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 well-being. 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.