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1- Department of Psychology, Dez. C, Islamic Azad University, Dezful, Iran
2- Department of Physical Education, Dez. C, Islamic Azad University, Dezful, Iran ,tanoorsaz@iau.ac.ir
2- Department of Physical Education, Dez. C, Islamic Azad University, Dezful, Iran ,
Abstract: (30 Views)
Background and Objective: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive and enduring neurodegenerative condition that markedly impairs the overall health and daily functioning of the aging population. In recent years, non-medicinal strategies—most notably laughter-based yoga programs—are being increasingly acknowledged as practical supportive care alternatives.
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate whether a structured course of Kataria laughter therapy could meaningfully influence death-related distress and overall quality of life (QOL) in older women diagnosed with PD.
Material and Methods: We used a quasi-experimental framework with pre- and post-intervention assessments and a matched control condition. From nursing homes in Dezful, Iran, 30 eligible older women were conveniently recruited and evenly randomized into an experimental (n=15) or control arm (n=15). The intervention group participated in ten 45-minute Kataria laughter sessions (twice per week across five consecutive weeks), while controls continued their standard daily routines without additional input. Assessment tools comprised the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale (CL-FODS) and the disease-specific Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life (PDQL) questionnaire. To analyse the data, we applied descriptive indices along with multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA and ANCOVA).
Results: Multivariate testing demonstrated a significant overall effect attributable to the intervention (Wilks' Lambda=0.504, F=23.115, P<0.01, η²=0.622). Subsequent univariate ANCOVAs indicated that the laughter therapy led to a statistically meaningful reduction in death anxiety scores (F=9.357, P<0.01, η²=0.332) and a substantial enhancement in quality-of-life scores (F=14.719, P<0.01, η²=0.467) within the experimental group relative to controls.
Conclusion: Kataria laughter therapy emerges as a cost-efficient, safe, and drug-free intervention capable of both diminishing mortality fears and elevating perceived life quality among older women with PD. These findings endorse its value as a complementary component within standard geriatric care protocols.
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate whether a structured course of Kataria laughter therapy could meaningfully influence death-related distress and overall quality of life (QOL) in older women diagnosed with PD.
Material and Methods: We used a quasi-experimental framework with pre- and post-intervention assessments and a matched control condition. From nursing homes in Dezful, Iran, 30 eligible older women were conveniently recruited and evenly randomized into an experimental (n=15) or control arm (n=15). The intervention group participated in ten 45-minute Kataria laughter sessions (twice per week across five consecutive weeks), while controls continued their standard daily routines without additional input. Assessment tools comprised the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale (CL-FODS) and the disease-specific Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life (PDQL) questionnaire. To analyse the data, we applied descriptive indices along with multivariate and univariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA and ANCOVA).
Results: Multivariate testing demonstrated a significant overall effect attributable to the intervention (Wilks' Lambda=0.504, F=23.115, P<0.01, η²=0.622). Subsequent univariate ANCOVAs indicated that the laughter therapy led to a statistically meaningful reduction in death anxiety scores (F=9.357, P<0.01, η²=0.332) and a substantial enhancement in quality-of-life scores (F=14.719, P<0.01, η²=0.467) within the experimental group relative to controls.
Conclusion: Kataria laughter therapy emerges as a cost-efficient, safe, and drug-free intervention capable of both diminishing mortality fears and elevating perceived life quality among older women with PD. These findings endorse its value as a complementary component within standard geriatric care protocols.
Keywords: Complementary therapy, Death anxiety, Elderly, Laughter therapy, Laughter yoga, Parkinson's disease, Quality of life
Article Type: Research Article |
Subject:
Anxiety and Stress
Received: 2026/06/25 | Accepted: 2026/09/20
Received: 2026/06/25 | Accepted: 2026/09/20
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