The Effect of Laughter Therapy on Anxiety and Stress in University Students

This randomized controlled study examined the effects of online laughter therapy on anxiety, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighty senior students were divided into intervention and control groups, with the intervention group participating in ten sessions of laughter therapy over five weeks. Results showed significant improvements in life satisfaction and psychological well-being, as well as a marked decrease in anxiety in the intervention group compared to the control group. The findings suggest that laughter therapy can be a practical, cost-effective, and easily accessible method to address mental health challenges during times of stress and uncertainty.

Engage in structured laughter activities like laughter yoga or group sessions to boost psychological well-being and manage stress. While the study demonstrates robust short-term benefits in nursing students, its findings are specific to this population and context. Broader research is necessary to confirm its applicability across diverse groups.