Introduction:
Humor therapy, also known as therapeutic humor, is a non-pharmacological intervention that uses the power of smiles and laughter to aid the healing process. It has been used in various medical fields with promising outcomes. The primary aim of this literature review is to integrate research findings on the impact of humor therapy on people suffering from depression or anxiety.
Methods:
A systematic search was conducted in several databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and PsycINFO, using the keywords "humor therapy," "depression," and "anxiety." All studies published in English from 2000 to 2021 were considered. The selection criteria included articles that explored humor therapy's impact on depressive or anxious symptoms.
Results:
Several studies demonstrated a clear positive effect of humor therapy on depression and anxiety. One study conducted on elderly residents in long-term care facilities showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms after humor therapy sessions. Another study found humor therapy to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in patients undergoing surgical procedures.
Meta-analyses further support these findings. A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials revealed that humor therapy has a moderate effect size in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Several underlying mechanisms were proposed, including the release of endorphins, distraction from distressing thoughts, and the promotion of a positive mood state.
Discussion:
While the empirical evidence is promising, there are several limitations to the existing literature. First, most studies have small sample sizes and lack a control group. Second, there is a high degree of heterogeneity in the application of humor therapy across studies. Therefore, further high-quality, randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the efficacy of humor therapy definitively.
Conclusion:
The current body of knowledge suggests that humor therapy can be a beneficial intervention for individuals suffering from depression and anxiety. It has the potential to be a cost-effective and easily accessible therapeutic approach. Even though more research is needed, the existing literature provides a positive impression of the potential benefits of incorporating humor therapy into the treatment plans for individuals with depression or anxiety. |
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