Korean J Rehabil Nurs.  2006 Dec;9(2):126-133.

A Study on the Relation of Laughter Index, Depression and Anxiety in Middle-aged Women

• Kim HS
• Lee EJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate Laughter Index, depression and anxiety in middle-aged women. METHOD: The data were collected from 622 middle-aged women by means of structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis by SPSS version 10.
RESULTS
The measuring of respondents' laughter index revealed they scored an average of 94.75 (+/-16.13) of the full score 150. The measuring of respondents' depression showed they marked an average of 42.69 (+/-7.72) of the full score 80. The measuring of respondents' anxiety showed they marked an average of 42.03 (+/-9.48) of the full score 80. Respondents statistically showed the significant difference in their laughter index depending on age(t=.917, p=.000), and economic status(F=21.710, p=.000). Respondents statistically revealed the significant difference in depression depending on religion(F=3.396, p=.018), economic status(F=13.660, p=.000). Respondents statistically revealed the significant difference in anxiety depending on religion(F=5.557, p=.001), economic status(F=16.79, p=.000). The laughter index related to depression and anxiety in middle-aged women were significantly correlated.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that laughter index in middle-aged women was correlated negatively depression and anxiety. Further research is regarded as necessary to evaluate and to compare effects of laughter with physical health status.

Keyword

Middle-aged women; Laughter; Depression; Anxiety

MeSH Terms

Anxiety*
Depression*
Female
Humans
Laughter*
Surveys and Questionnaires