Effectiveness of laughter therapy with healthcare clowns on the mood of hospitalised adults.

INTRODUCTION

Hospitalised adults often have essential emotional needs during their hospital stay, highlighting the importance of incorporating emotional mobilisation therapies.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of laughter therapy with healthcare clowns on the mood of 40 adults hospitalised in internal medicine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This quasi-experimental study used the transculturally adapted Scale for Mood Assessment (EVEA-H) to assess the intervention's effects.

RESULTS

Findings revealed significant improvements in participants' mood. There was a considerable reduction in levels of sadness/depression (p <0.00), anxiety (p <0.00) and anger/hostility (p < 0.00), while a significant increase in joy (p < 0.00) was observed after laughter therapy.

DISCUSSION

Current evidence supports laughter therapy with healthcare clowns as a tool to foster positive emotions, reduce negative psychological symptoms, and improve emotional well-being in various contexts, highlighting the importance of collaborative implementation with medical staff to strengthen well-being in healthcare settings.

CONCLUSION

Laughter therapy can be an effective strategy to improve the emotional well-being of hospitalised adults by reducing negative moods and promoting positive emotions.