Abstract
Every culture has its own rich musical tradition, and we see as part of that inheritance the singing of lullabies throughout the world. The research on the many beneficial uses of this form encompasses many disciplines, countries, and lulling styles. The singing of soothing melodies and rhythms to infants and toddlers, often regardless of their textual content, has been demonstrated to help regulate autonomic functions in preterm babies, encourage sleep, promote bonding, and reduce parental stress; this last effect has primarily been manifest in studies of maternal health, though the benefits can also accrue to fathers and in fact, to nonparental figures. This brief review explores some of the key benefits that both scholarly and folk investigations of lullabies have demonstrated. Lullaby research from a number of global cultures helps us to understand the appeal; durability; and psychological, physical, and social goods that accompany the history and current embrace of the lulling repertoire.
Presenters
Maureen GibneyTeaching Professor, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Vectors of Society and Culture
KEYWORDS
Infants, Lullabies, Singing, Well-Being
