Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the difference of optimism, self-esteem and depression to verify an effect of laughter therapy program for menopausal women.
Methods
A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group pre / post-test design was used. The participants (n=57) were 28 in the experimental group and 29 in the control group. The data were collected in December of 2011. The experimental group participated in laughter therapy for 30 min per session, five times a week for the period of 2 weeks. The questionnaires were used to measure pre / post-test optimism, self-esteem, and depression of menopausal women.
Figures and Tables
Summary Statement
▪ What is already known about this topic?
A laughter therapy program can improve pleasant thinking and feeling of people, which helps to promote their good health.
▪ What this paper adds?
A laughter therapy program for menopausal women can increase self-esteem and optimism that were declined by emotional and psychological problems after menopause, which makes efforts to decrease depression.
▪ Implications for practice, education and/or policy?
There needs society support to use a laughter therapy program for controlling spiritual and psychological problems of menopausal women.
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