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

Abstract

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