The efficacy of laughter-based interventions in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The efficacy of laughter-based interventions in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors
Kim, B. Choi, S.
Year
2025
Journal
Journal of Child Health Care
Volume
Pages
18
This review aimed to analyze the effects of laughter-inducing therapy on anxiety, pain, and stress in children by synthesizing existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Researchers conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis, following the Cochrane Collaboration's methodology for systematic literature review and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We selected and evaluated 12 studies for quality using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis, which showed that clown therapy produced a moderate effect on pain relief and a large effect on anxiety reduction in pediatric patients. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential of laughter-inducing therapies as an effective clinical intervention for reducing anxiety, pain, and stress in pediatric patients. These findings provide evidence supporting the use of laughter-based interventions as alternative or complementary approaches in medical settings. The review also underscores the need for further research across diverse clinical environments to validate the effectiveness of laughter-inducing therapies in broader pediatric populations. Overall, the incorporation of laughter-inducing therapy into clinical practice may play a valuable role in enhancing the overall well-being of pediatric patients.

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Type of intervention

Treatment and Child Welfare Interventions

Topic

Mental Health Problems and Disorders

Anxiety Problems

Anxiety and Anxiousness

Stress

Development and Life Coping Skills

Quality of Life

Stress Management and Self-regulation

Intervention

Psychosocial Treatments

Relaxation Interventions

The organization of interventions

Emergency Care

Age group

Preschool Aged Children (3-5 years)

School Aged Children (6-12 years)

Adolescents (13-18 years)

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