Effect and Path Analysis of Laughter Therapy on Serotonin, Depression and Quality of Life in Middle-aged Women.
10.4040/jkan.2015.45.2.221
- Author:
Mi Youn CHA
1
;
Hae Sook HONG
Author Information
1. Department of Nursing, Uiduk University, Pohang, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Randomized Controlled Trial
- Keywords:
Laughter therapy;
Middle-aged women;
Serotonin;
Depression;
Quality of life
- MeSH:
Adult;
Depression/pathology/*therapy;
Female;
Humans;
*Laughter Therapy;
Middle Aged;
*Quality of Life;
Serotonin/*blood;
Severity of Illness Index;
Surveys and Questionnaires
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
2015;45(2):221-230
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study was done to examine how laughter therapy impacts serotonin levels, QOL and depression in middle-aged women and to perform a path analysis for verification of the effects. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study employing a nonequivalent control group and pre-post design was conducted. Participants were 64 middle-aged women (control=14 and experimental=50 in 3 groups according to level of depression). The intervention was conducted five times a week for a period of 2 weeks and the data analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA, ANCOVA and LISREL. RESULTS: Results showed that pre serotonin and QOL in women with severe depression were the lowest. Serotonin in the experimental groups increased after the 10th intervention (p=.006) and the rise was the highest in the group with severe depression (p=.001). Depression in all groups decreased after the 5th intervention (p=.022) and the biggest decline was observed in group with severe depression (p=.007). QOL of the moderate and severe groups increased after the 10th intervention (p=.049), and the increase rate was highest in group with severe depression (p<.006). Path analysis revealed that laughter therapy did not directly affect depression, but its effect was indirectly meditated through serotonin variation (p<.001). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that serotonin activation through laughter therapy can help middle-aged women by lessening depression and providing important grounds for depression control.
