Journal List > J Korean Acad Nurs > v.41(3) > 1002710

Shin, Ryu, and Song: Effects of Laughter Therapy on Postpartum Fatigue and Stress Responses of Postpartum Women

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of laughter therapy on postpartum fatigue and stress respon-ses of postpartum women.

Methods

The research design was a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design. The participants were 67 postpartum women who agreed to participate in this study, selected by convenience sampling: (experiment group-33 and control group-34). The data were collected from August 5 to September 30, 2010. The experimental group received laughter therapy from a laughter therapy expert for 60 min, twice a week for 2 weeks, a total of 4 sessions. To evaluate the effects of laughter therapy, postpartum fatigue by self-report questionnaire and cortisol concentration in breast milk were measured. The data were analyzed using the SPSS WIN 13.0 Program.

Results

The first hypothesis that "the degree of postpartum fatigue in the experimental group participating in laughter therapy would be lower than that of the control group" was accepted. These findings indicate that laughter therapy has a positive effect on decreasing postpartum fatigue.

Conclusion

The finding provides evidence for use of complementary and alternative nursing in Sanhujori facilities and obstetric units to reduce postpartum women's fatigue.

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Change of postpartum fatigue by time.
Exp.=experimental group; Cont.=control group.
jkan-41-294-g001
Figure 2
Change of cortisol concentration in breast milk by time.
Exp.=experimental group; Cont.=control group.
jkan-41-294-g002
Table 1
Homogeneity Test for General Characteristics (N=67)
jkan-41-294-i001

*Fisher's exact test.

Table 2
Homogeneity Test for Dependent Variables between Groups (N=67)
jkan-41-294-i002
Table 3
Postpartum Fatigue and Stress Response for Experimental Group and Control Group
jkan-41-294-i003

Notes

This work was supported by the Kyung Hee University on a Sabbatical Year in 2010.

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