Effectiveness of laughter yoga in reducing postpartum depression symptoms: A randomized controlled study

ÜNVER KOCA H., ŞİMŞEK KÜÇÜKKELEPÇE D., Kucukkelepce O., KOÇYİĞİT A.

Explore, cilt.21, sa.4, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 21 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103195
  • Dergi Adı: Explore
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Laughter yoga, Postpartum depression, Women
  • Lokman Hekim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the positive effects of laughter yoga on many diseases and postpartum depression. Method: The study was randomized and controlled with a pretest-posttest control group and was conducted with 104 women. Data were collected with an introductory information form and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Results: It was determined that Laughter Yoga (LY) significantly reduced postpartum depression symptoms (t (102) =-14.007; p=0.000<0,05). Conclusion: Laughter Yoga has been found effective in alleviating depression symptoms among postpartum women following six sessions of application. Given the sensitivity of the postpartum period and women's reluctance to use medications due to concerns about their newborns, it is advisable to promote the adoption of LY and similar alternative medicine practices.