Examining the Connections Between Music Engagement and Social Well-Being: A Scoping Review

Aims: With the rising need to address declines in social well-being (SWB; e.g., increasing loneliness), a large portion of research has examined the role of the arts in benefiting SWB. In this scoping review, we examine the nature and range of associations between SWB and one domain of the arts: music.Method: Ten databases were searched to identify relevant English-language sources that empirically examined the relationship between music engagement and SWB. Sources were screened by two reviewers. Data were extracted for information about music and SWB variables and for qualities of the studies.Findings: A total of 431 sources were included in the final review. The most commonly studied music activity was singing, and the most commonly examined SWB outcome was social connection. Most sources reported qualitative results and indicated music engagement—across several forms of engagement—was beneficial to several SWB outcomes, such as social connection, loneliness, and belonging.Conclusions: The sources reviewed examined both participatory and receptive music activities and examined a range of SWB outcomes. Most studies reported music engagement was associated with greater SWB; however, limitations of study design show the need for more rigorous research on this topic.