Effects of Laughter Yoga in Mothers of PICU Patients

Effects of Laughter Yoga on Psychological Resilience and Coping Attitudes in Mothers of Children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of laughter yoga on resilience and coping attitudes in mothers of children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit. Mothers whose children had been hospitalized for at least one week were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention group participated in structured laughter yoga sessions lasting 15-20 minutes over 3-4 days, while the control group received routine care. Psychological resilience and coping attitudes were assessed using standardized measurement tools. The study aimed to provide evidence for a brief, non-pharmacological intervention to support maternal psychological well-being in PICU settings.

Having a child hospitalized in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is a highly stressful experience for parents, particularly mothers, and is often associated with increased psychological distress, reduced resilience, and ineffective coping strategies. Despite the critical importance of supporting parental mental well-being in PICU settings, there is a lack of evidence-based, non-pharmacological interventions that simultaneously target resilience and coping attitudes.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of laughter yoga on resilience and coping attitudes in mothers of children in the pediatric intensive care unit.

A single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted with the mothers of children hospitalized in the PICU for at least one week. Mothers in the intervention group participated in structured laughter yoga sessions lasting 15-20 minutes over 3-4 days, while the control group received routine care only. Data were collected using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and the Coping Attitudes Assessment Scale before and after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mothers aged 18 years or older
• Ability to read and speak Turkish
• Having a child hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for at least one week
• Access to basic communication tools (telephone and/or internet)
• No previous participation in laughter yoga or a similar intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of a clinically diagnosed severe psychiatric disorder
• Having a child who was terminally ill or clinically unstable
• Participation deemed inappropriate by the attending physician