ERIC Number: EJ1400076
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1368-2822
EISSN: EISSN-1460-6984
Available Date: N/A
"It's Quite Good Fun": A Qualitative Study of a Singing/Songwriting Programme for People with Parkinson's Disease and Their Spouses
Hersh, Deborah; Kong, Shi Jing; Smith, Jessica
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, v58 n6 p2103-2116 2023
Background: Group singing for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) is an established intervention not only to improve voice and speech difficulties but also for emotional and social benefit. Less is known about the experiences of group singing on the couple--the person with PD and their spouse or partner together--and studies have not specifically tracked impact through time or in combination with songwriting. Aims: To understand the impact of group singing/songwriting on couples (participants with PD and their spouses) to unpack whether this broader view might help explain why such interventions are reported as beneficial. Using a trajectory approach, a form of longitudinal research and focused ethnography, the research sought a deeper appreciation of participation through time for the couple in a singing/songwriting group. Methods & Procedures: Four couples attending a singing/songwriting programme were observed for 10 weeks, and interviewed formally and informally weekly. Data were analysed thematically across-case through framework analysis but also within-case to explore the couples' experiences and narratives over time. Outcomes & Results: The theme of 'improved relationships' between the couples was new and extended previous studies' findings of positivity, physical benefit, sense of self and social opportunity. The stories of each couple highlighted the importance of musical reminiscence and emotional respite, and demonstrated changes with time through the singing and songwriting group. Conclusions & Implications: The benefits of offering singing/songwriting groups may be felt not only by participants with PD but also by their spouses/partners even if they choose not to attend themselves. Such benefits may include improved relationships related to the shared joy of music, musical reminiscence and emotional respite. The addition of songwriting encourages creativity and agency. A longitudinal trajectory approach is one way to appreciate how these benefits may unfold over time for participants.
Descriptors: Neurological Impairments, Singing, Musical Composition, Spouses, Intervention, Program Effectiveness, Interpersonal Relationship, Music Activities
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A