Effects of Laughter Therapy on Depression, Quality of Life, Resilience and Immune Responses in Breast Cancer Survivors.
10.4040/jkan.2011.41.3.285
- Author:
Eun A CHO
1
;
Hyun Ei OH
Author Information
1. Department of Nursing, Honam University, Gwangju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Controlled Clinical Trial ; English Abstract
- Keywords:
Laughter;
Depression;
Quality of life;
Resilience;
Immunity;
Breast cancer
- MeSH:
Adult;
Aged;
B-Lymphocytes/immunology/metabolism;
Breast Neoplasms/immunology/*therapy;
*Depression;
Female;
Humans;
*Laughter Therapy;
Middle Aged;
*Quality of Life;
Questionnaires;
*Resilience, Psychological;
T-Lymphocytes/immunology/metabolism
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
2011;41(3):285-293
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: In this study, the effects of laughter therapy on levels of depression, quality of life, resilience and immune responses in breast cancer survivors were examined. METHODS: A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group, pretest-posttest design was used. Participants (n=37) included breast cancer survivors who finished chemotheraphy and radiation therapy: 16 in the experiment group and 21 in the control group. Data were collected from August to November 2009. The experimental group participated in laughter therapy eight times, twice a week for 60 min per session. Questionnaires were used to me-asure pretest and posttest levels of depression, quality of life and resilience. A blood test was used to analyze changes in Total T cell, T helper, T suppressor, Th/Ts ratio, Total B cell, T cell/B cell ratio and NK cell for immune responses. RESULTS: The results showed that laughter therapy was effective in increasing the quality of life and resilience in breast cancer survivors. but depression and immune responses did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that laughter therapy may be an effective nursing intervention to improve quality of life and resilience in breast cancer survivors.
