Journal List > Korean J Women Health Nurs > v.18(4) > 1089427

Cha, Na, and Hong: An Effect of Optimism, Self-esteem and Depression on Laughter Therapy of Menopausal Women

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.

Results

The results showed that laughter therapy was effective in increasing optimism (p=.020) and self-esteem (p<.001). And the depression of menopausal women decreased (p=.003).

Conclusion

The result of the study indicates that laughter therapy for menopausal women may be an effective nursing intervention to improve optimism, self-esteem and depression of menopausal women.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Laughter Therapy Program Contents
kjwhn-18-248-i001
Table 2
Homogeneity Test of General Characteristics (N=57)
kjwhn-18-248-i002
Table 3
Pretest Scores for the Homogeneity (N=57)
kjwhn-18-248-i003

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

Table 4
Pre-score, Education, and Personality based Analysis of Covariance as Covariates (N=57)
kjwhn-18-248-i004

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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