Investigation of the Effect of Laughter Yoga on Stress-Coping Behaviors in Nursing Students’ Starting University

This study investigated whether laughter yoga (LY) could improve stress-coping behaviors in first-year nursing students adjusting to university life. Participants were split into intervention and control groups, with the intervention group attending six 45-minute LY sessions. LY significantly improved coping behaviors, particularly "stay optimistic" and "problem solving," and reduced physical stress symptoms. These findings highlight LY as a promising, non-drug method to enhance mental health and adaptability in high-stress environments, potentially benefiting cognitive resilience and focus.

Practicing laughter yoga can enhance stress-coping skills, improve problem-solving behaviors, and reduce physical symptoms of stress. For students or professionals under stress, incorporating LY into routines could be beneficial. However, this study's small sample size and single-institution focus limit generalization. LY should be combined with other evidence-based stress-management techniques for more robust support of mental and cognitive health.