Therapeutic Group Singing for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A Conceptual Framework

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex, progressive, and degenerative neurological disorder. With millions affected worldwide, music therapists may have the opportunity to work with individuals with PD and their families. To better understand biological, psychological, and social factors associated with PD, and the interactions between these three systems, researchers encourage a biopsychosocial approach. A biopsychosocial approach supports the idea that biological, psychological, and social systems influence and interact with each other, affecting overall health and quality of life. Music therapy affects biopsychosocial functioning through the use of evidence-based music interventions. One such music therapy intervention supported in the literature for use with individuals with PD and their families is therapeutic group singing. However, this research evidence is diverse and complex. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework of the biopsychosocial approach in music therapy focused on therapeutic group singing for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Our aims include: (1) identifying biopsychosocial (i.e., physical, psychological, and social) factors associated with PD, (2) presenting evidence-based outcomes of therapeutic group singing on biopsychosocial functioning, and (3) crafting a conceptual framework to consolidate evidence about therapeutic group singing as an effective intervention for this population. Research outcomes from various studies demonstrate benefits in biological, psychological, and social functioning from therapeutic group singing interventions. Overall, evidence suggests that therapeutic group singing – as visualized in the conceptual framework – is an effective intervention to address biopsychosocial functioning for individuals with PD and their families.