Resonance in recovery: group singing as a mechanism for collective narrative repair, emotional integration, and post-traumatic growth

Psychological trauma often disrupts both bodily regulation and personal narrative, making it hard for survivors to put their experience into words and to stay connected with others. Traditional talk therapies rely on verbal storytelling, but early or pre-verbal trauma, fragmented memories, and strong shame can limit what language alone can reach. This paper proposes choir-based group singing as a form of collective narrative repair. Drawing on polyvagal theory, we describe how stable breathing and gentle vocalization in choral singing can signal safety to the nervous system, lower arousal, and reshape stress-related physiological responses. We then examine how nonverbal vocal expression, shared lyrics, and aesthetic distance allow trauma-related emotions to be expressed and contained without direct disclosure. Harmonic structure, voice blending, and bodily synchrony provide an external order for fragmented experience and support a shift from a victim-centered identity toward roles such as singer and collaborator. The paper further links joint intentionality in rehearsal and performance to reconstruction of meaning and posttraumatic growth, as survivors act with others toward shared musical goals and regain a sense of belonging. Finally, we highlight methodological limits in current empirical work and outline directions for interdisciplinary research that bridge psychotherapy, music education, and social science. Taken together, the analysis suggests that choir is not only an emotional outlet but a structured, relational practice that can help survivors rebuild safety, story, and connection.