Humanities Studios: Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy

The influence of folk culture on the moral and emotional state and aesthetic education of students within the framework of integration into Ukraine’s choral culture

Taras Kushnir*

t.i.kushnir@nubip.edu.ua

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Abstract

The relevance of this topic stems from the need to identify effective mechanisms for the psychological stabilisation and national-patriotic education of young people in the context of martial law and socio-cultural transformations. The aim of the study was to provide a theoretical justification for the pedagogical and art-therapeutic potential of Ukrainian folk song as a tool for harmonising the moral and emotional state and aesthetic education of members of amateur choral ensembles. The research was based on methods of systematic analysis of musicological and psychological-pedagogical literature, the synthesis of art-therapeutic practices, and the generalisation of pedagogical experience in working with non-specialist student choirs. The article demonstrates that integrating students into choral culture through folklore acts as a comprehensive psychocorrectional tool. It has been established that, for participants without musical training, folk songs are the most accessible material, as they are based on natural phonetics and an intuitive sense of musical structure, which has helped to overcome the psychological barrier of self-doubt regarding their own vocal abilities. It has been established that the axiological impact of folk songs is realised through the assimilation of a system of national archetypes, which convey models of high moral behaviour, patriotism and family ethics, thereby ensuring the formation of a stable national identity. The physiological aspects of choral singing are characterised: it has been demonstrated that vibrational resonance and diaphragmatic breathing whilst performing folk songs contribute to a reduction in cortisol levels, the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system and overall emotional relief. The phenomenon of choral synchronisation in amateur choral ensembles is analysed, which contributes to the development of empathy, social cohesion and the overcoming of feelings of isolation. It is argued that learning polyphony through oral transmission develops musical intelligence and harmonic hearing, and builds resilience against low-quality examples of mass culture. The practical value of this work lies in the development of recommendations on the use of repertoire and methodological strategies for leaders of amateur choral ensembles at higher education institutions

Keywords

folk song; emotional intelligence; national identity; music pedagogy; art therapy

Suggested citation
Kushnir, T. (2026). The influence of folk culture on the moral and emotional state and aesthetic education of students within the framework of integration into Ukraine’s choral culture. Humanities Studios: Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, 14(3), 17-29. https://doi.org/10.31548/hspedagog/3.2026.17
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