Journal List > J Korean Acad Nurs > v.41(3) > 1002709

Cho and Oh: Effects of Laughter Therapy on Depression, Quality of Life, Resilience and Immune Responses in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the effects of laughter therapy on levels of depression, quality of life, resilience and immune responses in breast cancer survivors were examined.

Methods

A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group, pretest-posttest design was used. Participants (n=37) included breast cancer survivors who finished chemotheraphy and radiation therapy: 16 in the experiment group and 21 in the control group. Data were collected from August to November 2009. The experimental group participated in laughter therapy eight times, twice a week for 60 min per session. Questionnaires were used to me-asure pretest and posttest levels of depression, quality of life and resilience. A blood test was used to analyze changes in Total T cell, T helper, T suppressor, Th/Ts ratio, Total B cell, T cell/B cell ratio and NK cell for immune responses.

Results

The results showed that laughter therapy was effective in increasing the quality of life and resilience in breast cancer survivors. but depression and immune responses did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusion

The results of the study indicate that laughter therapy may be an effective nursing intervention to improve quality of life and resilience in breast cancer survivors.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Laughter Therapy Program Contents
jkan-41-285-i001
Table 2
Homogeneity Test of General Characteristics (N=37)
jkan-41-285-i002

*Fisher's exact probability test; Exp.=experimental group; Cont.=control group.

Table 3
Homogeneity Test of Dependent Variables at Pre-test (N=37)
jkan-41-285-i003

Exp.=experimental group; Cont.=control group.

Table 4
The Effects of Laughter Therapy on Depression, Quality of Life, Resilience (N=37)
jkan-41-285-i004

Exp.=experimental group; Cont.=control group.

Table 5
The Effects of Laughter Therapy on Immune Responses (N=37)
jkan-41-285-i005

Exp.=experimental group; Cont.=control group.

Notes

This article is based on part of the first author's doctoral thesis from Chosun University.

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