Dataset Documentation: Arts-Based Identity Reconstruction and Community Resonance (2026)

Title Arts-Based Identity Reconstruction and Community Resonance: A Longitudinal Dataset of Non-Clinical Singing and Keyboard Participation for Life-Transitioning Adults (Empty Nest and Bereavement) - Taiwan and Australia (2025-2026) ⸻ Authors Lai, Wei-Yi ⸻ Description This dataset investigates the efficacy of non-clinical music engagement—encompassing singing, piano, and electronic keyboard—as a tool for identity reconstruction and emotional resilience among adults facing major life transitions, specifically Empty Nest Syndrome (ENS) and spousal loss (widowhood). Collected across diverse community settings in Taiwan and Australia, the data align with the 2026 global trend toward Social Prescribing (SP), which addresses social determinants of health and loneliness through community-based, non-pharmacological interventions . The dataset captures multi-dimensional indicators: 1. Psychological & Emotional States: Self-reported mood regulation, resilience scores, and identity-shifts during bereavement processes . 2. Social Identification: The impact of group singing and collective keyboard sessions on community belonging and "Finding One's Voice".[1] 3. Practice & Engagement: Frequency of participation, repertoire selection (focusing on nostalgia and "Soundtracks of Life"), and technical mastery in non-competitive environments . As Taiwan moves into a "hyper-aging society" and Australia expands its "Strengthening Medicare" policies through social prescribing, this dataset provides empirical evidence for policy-makers and educators to design dignity-preserving, sustainable music-care ecosystems . ⸻ Keywords Empty nest syndrome; Widowhood; Bereavement; Social prescribing; Non-clinical music support; Identity reconstruction; Lifelong learning; Taiwan; Australia; Arts-based intervention; Community music therapy ⸻ Language English (eng) ⸻ License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) ⸻ Funding Self-funded practice-based research (aligned with WHO Western Pacific Healthy Ageing initiative [2]). This framework is derived from the central design hub and explores a specific structural or contextual variation.