Choral singing as a tool for psychological rehabilitation in wartime

Abstract

This article explores choral singing as an effective tool for psychological rehabilitation during wartime. It examines the mechanisms of collective singing’s impact on emotional well-being, mental health, and social adaptation of individuals who have experienced traumatic events, particularly military personnel, veterans, internally displaced persons, and civilians affected by war. The study considers the main psychophysiological aspects of vocal activity, such as stress reduction, normalization of respiratory functions, stabilization of heart rate, and harmo- nization of emotional state. Special attention is given to the social role of choral singing as a means of cohesion and restoring a sense of unity within communities. Choral singing fosters feelings of support, mutual understanding, and psychological resilience, which are crucial for rehabilitation in cri- sis situations. Its significance is recognized as part of therapeutic methods already used in rehabilitation programs to overcome the consequences of post-traumatic stress disorders. The article provides an overview of the main directions of psychophysiological rehabilita- tion through choral singing, including emotional relief and stress reduction, enhancement of self-esteem and self-confidence, a sense of unity and social support, music as a form of psy- chotherapy, and the practical application of choral singing in rehabilitation programs (military and veteran choirs, choral initiatives for displaced persons, and choir sessions in rehabilitation centers, among others). An analysis of both international and Ukrainian experiences in using choral therapy for the psychological and emotional recovery of combatants and affected populations is presented.The study concludes by substantiating the need for the active integration of choral singing into modern rehabilitation programs, as this method combines elements of art therapy, cognitive processing of traumatic experiences, and group support, making it a universal and accessible means of recovery.