Purpose and Significance
This study aimed to evaluate laughter yoga as a novel, evidence-based intervention to address the emotional and physiological challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. The uniqueness of this study lies in its focus on visually impaired participants, as no prior research explored laughter yoga's impact on this group.
By investigating its effects on loneliness, anger, and salivary cortisol (a stress marker), the study sought to highlight laughter yoga as a low-cost, high-impact nursing practice that can enhance well-being and social integration.
Location and Target Audience
The project was conducted at the Disabled Persons Department of the Atatürk Provincial Public Library, Konak, Izmir, Turkey. The department caters to visually impaired individuals, providing services to approximately 250 active members and others from across Turkey.
Study Objectives
Primary Goals:
To reduce loneliness and anger levels in visually impaired individuals.
To lower salivary cortisol levels, a physiological marker of stress, through laughter yoga.
To create a social environment that fosters independence and social engagement.
Secondary Goals:
To provide a model intervention for integrating laughter yoga into disability centers.
To popularize laughter yoga as a regular nursing practice for individuals with disabilities.
Methodology
Study Design:
Randomized Controlled Trial: Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention (laughter yoga) or control group.
Pre-test and Post-test Design: Measurements were taken before and after the intervention.
Single-blind: Researchers assessing outcomes were unaware of which group participants belonged to, minimizing bias.
Intervention Details:
Laughter Yoga Sessions:
Structured sessions included simulated laughter, breathing exercises, and playful activities.
Laughter in this approach is initiated as a physical exercise but becomes genuine through group dynamics.
Outcome Measures:
Psychological Measures: Loneliness and anger levels were assessed using validated scales.
Physiological Measures: Cortisol levels were measured via non-invasive saliva tests.
Why Focus on Loneliness, Anger, and Cortisol?
Loneliness:
Visually impaired individuals often face social isolation due to limited social interactions and dependency on others. This isolation can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Anger:
Challenges such as navigating daily life with a disability, social stigma, and lack of understanding can lead to heightened frustration and anger.
Cortisol Levels:
Cortisol is a hormone released during stress. Chronically elevated levels can harm mental and physical health, increasing risks for depression, anxiety, and other stress-related disorders.
Key Findings
1. Reduction in Loneliness:
Participants in the laughter yoga group reported significantly lower loneliness scores compared to the control group.
2. Lower Anger Levels:
Laughter yoga led to reduced feelings of frustration and irritability in the intervention group.
3. Decreased Cortisol Levels:
Salivary cortisol levels dropped in the intervention group, indicating a reduction in physiological stress.
4. Social Benefits:
Laughter yoga sessions provided a platform for social interaction, boosting participants' sense of inclusion and reducing feelings of isolation.
Implications
Practical Applications:
The evidence suggests that laughter yoga can be a routine activity in centers for visually impaired individuals.
Broader Use:
The study highlights its potential benefits for individuals with other disabilities, making it a versatile and accessible intervention.
Nursing Practices:
Laughter yoga could become a standardized nursing intervention for mental and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Laughter yoga emerges as a safe, effective, and low-cost intervention to improve emotional and physiological health in visually impaired individuals. Its integration into community services and disability centers could significantly enhance the quality of life for marginalized groups, fostering inclusion and independence.