The effect of laughter therapy on nursing students' anxiety, satisfaction with life, and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: Randomized controlled study
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引用次数: 8
Abstract
Background
Changes in routine due to the pandemic have increased nursing students' anxiety about clinical learning. The inadequacy experienced before graduation caused them to experience high levels of anxiety characterized by feelings of insecurity and unhappiness and negatively affected their life satisfaction. Methodological studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of laughter therapy, which is effective in reducing anxiety and stress, on the online platform. The current study protocol was designed to evaluate the effect of online laughter therapy on anxiety, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being.
Methods
Forty students were selected for the intervention group and forty students for the control group by assigning 1:1 with a real random number selector among 140 senior nursing students who made up the universe. The intervention group received ten sessions of online laughter therapy two days a week for five weeks. Participants in the control group did not receive any intervention during the study. Data were obtained at the beginning of the study and after five weeks with the 'State-Trait Anxiety Inventory', 'Satisfaction with Life Scale' and 'Psychological Well-Being Scale'.
Results
After laughter therapy, the intervention result showed a significant increase in life satisfaction and psychological well-being scores (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in anxiety scores (p < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group.
Conclusion
The study reveals that online laughter therapy significantly positively affects nursing students' anxiety, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being.
期刊介绍:
Advances in Integrative Medicine (AIMED) is an international peer-reviewed, evidence-based research and review journal that is multi-disciplinary within the fields of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. The journal focuses on rigorous quantitative and qualitative research including systematic reviews, clinical trials and surveys, whilst also welcoming medical hypotheses and clinically-relevant articles and case studies disclosing practical learning tools for the consulting practitioner. By promoting research and practice excellence in the field, and cross collaboration between relevant practitioner groups and associations, the journal aims to advance the practice of IM, identify areas for future research, and improve patient health outcomes. International networking is encouraged through clinical innovation, the establishment of best practice and by providing opportunities for cooperation between organisations and communities.