Laughter therapy as a tool for caring process from the viewpoint of nursing students

Abstract

Introduction: Humor is a stress coping strategy, which allows the expression of feelings that are often difficult to express and helps to handle fears and concerns. Thus, conflicts and tensions are relieved. The laughter therapy can use humor as a therapeutic tool, which emphasizes the humanization of care and promotes physical and emotional improvements. Objective: This study aimed at verifying the use and benefits of laughter therapy from the viewpoint of nursing students from the State University of Feira de Santana. Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical and descriptive study. The sample included 70 students and an individual, self-administered, and pre-tested questionnaire was applied. It consisted of closed and open-ended questions, with sociodemographic variables and questions related to laughter therapy, so that the students could express their beliefs about the laughter therapy. Results: Population was predominantly female, single, and with no formal job. It was found that most academics who attended the course “Unconventional Therapies” knew and described the benefits of Laughter Therapy and a small percentage of them have already witnessed or used this therapy. Some benefits to the customers were observed, such as higher self-esteem, improved responsiveness to treatment, pain relief and clinical improvement. Conclusion: There is a need to disseminate, especially in the academic field, the use of integrative therapies such as laughter therapy as a tool for nursing care, as this practice improves the interaction between the nurse and the client and favors the humanization of hospital.