Purpose: In this study, the effects of laughter therapy on
levels of depression, quality of life, resilience and
immune responses in breast cancer survivors were examined.
Methods: A quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group,
pretest-posttest design was used. Participants (n=37)
included breast cancer survivors who finished
chemotheraphy and radiation therapy: 16 in the experiment
group and 21 in the control group. Data were collected
from August to November 2009. The experimental group
participated in laughter therapy eight times, twice a week
for 60 min per session. Questionnaires were used to me-
asure pretest and posttest levels of depression, quality
of life and resilience. A blood test was used to analyze
changes in Total T cell, T helper, T suppressor, Th/Ts
ratio, Total B cell, T cell/B cell ratio and NK cell for
immune responses. Results: The results showed that
laughter therapy was effective in increasing the quality
of life and resilience in breast cancer survivors. but
depression and immune responses did not differ
significantly between the groups. Conclusion: The results
of the study indicate that laughter therapy may be an
effective nursing intervention to improve quality of life
and resilience in breast cancer survivors.
Keyword : Laughter, Depression, Quality of life, Resilience, Immunity, Breast cancer
