Vol. 9 No. 1 (2021): International Journal of Nursing Care
Articles

Effectiveness of Laughter Therapy on Level of Stress and Assertiveness among Elderly at Old Age Homes in Selected Areas

Rupali Subhash Walke
Bio

Published 2021-02-09

Keywords

  • Laughter Therapy, Stress. Assertiveness, Elderly, Old age homes.

How to Cite

Effectiveness of Laughter Therapy on Level of Stress and Assertiveness among Elderly at Old Age Homes in Selected Areas. (2021). International Journal of Nursing Care, 9(1), 21-25. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijonc.v9i1.13997

Abstract

Background: Elders usually exhibit multiple health problems with complex interactions. Elderly people
come voluntarily and some by force to the old age home. The level of stress and depression is more in
those elderly people residing in old age home than those elderly people living with families. Elderly people
residing in old age home have a feeling of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness. Now a day’s most
of the elderly people are isolated from families.
Aim of the Study: The present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of laughter therapy on level
of stress and assertiveness among elderly at old age homes in selected areas.
Methods: Evaluative approach. A one group pre test and post test (pre experimental) design was used
for study. Probability cluster sampling technique was used for selection of sample.60 elderly people were
selected as per availability and fulfillment of the preset criteria. A modified stress assessment scale and
modified Lloyed SR assertiveness scale was used to assess the study variables.
Results: Before administering the laughter therapy, they had level of stress score in pretest, 53.3% of
the elderly had moderate stress (Score 43-63) and 46.7% of them had severe stress (Score 64-84). After
administering the laughter therapy, they had in posttest, 41.7% of the elderly had mild stress (Score 22-42)
and 58.3% of them had moderate stress (Score 43-63). This indicates that the stress level of the elderly
improved remarkably after laughter therapy. Before administering the laughter therapy, they had level of
assertiveness score in pretest, 53.3% of the elderly at old age home had difficulty being assertive (score
10-20), 43.3% of them were nonassertive (Score 20-30) and 3.3% of them were naturally assertive (Score
30-40). After administering the laughter therapy, they had level of assertiveness score in posttest, 86.7%
of them were nonassertive (Score 20-30) and 13.3% of them were naturally assertive (Score 30-40). This
indicates that the assertiveness of the elderly at old age homes improved remarkably after laughter therapy.
Conclusion: The findings showed that laughter therapy had a positive effect on level of stress and assertiveness
among elderly at old age homes in selected areas and improved the signs of physical, psychological as well
as their social function.