Singing interventions in depression: A scoping review

The growing prevalence of depression, a major global health problem, has led to the exploration of complementary treatments such as singing, which can provide emotional healing and psychological support. Singing interventions are known for their universal appeal and potential neurobiological and psychosocial benefits. This review analyzes 11 studies from 2013 to 2023, revealing singing’s efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms, enhancing emotional well-being, and fostering social connections across diverse populations and backgrounds. The versatility of singing interventions is emphasized, with various formats including online sessions and person-centered therapy, addressing conditions like postpartum depression, geriatric depression with dementia, and depression in Parkinson’s disease patients. The article confirms the effectiveness of these interventions in multiple settings, underlining their adaptability and wide applicability as therapeutic tools. Singing interventions are presented as promising, non-invasive, and enjoyable options for managing depression, with immediate benefits and potential for long-term impact. The review calls for further research and integration of singing into mental health care, advocating for more standardized and flexible intervention strategies and a deeper exploration of singing’s lasting effects on depression.