Effects of Laughter Therapy on Life Satisfaction and Loneliness in Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes in Turkey: A Parallel Group Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of laughter therapy on life satisfaction and loneliness in older adults living in nursing homes. A single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials NCT03687788) with a pretest-posttest design was conducted. There were 31 experimental participants and 31 controls. The experimental group received laughter therapy twice a week for 6 weeks, along with usual care. The control group received usual care only. Loneliness was measured with the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and life satisfaction was measured with the Satisfaction With Life Scale. After 6 weeks, there was a statistically significant difference in De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale total score between the two groups, and the subscale scores of the experimental group decreased. Laughter therapy may reduce loneliness in older adults. Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, can potentially use laughter therapy to reduce loneliness in older adults.