Effects of an advanced healthcare education based on laughter in an island-based elderly population

Abstract

Extensive research has been conducted regarding cancer patients, but there has been little qualitative research about the application of laughter therapy for those who are terminally ill. Accordingly, this study is an attempt to identify various psychological problems discovered during laughter therapy and the meaning of such therapy for terminally ill cancer patients. From May 1 to June 30, 2017, data were collected from focus group interviews in which six terminally ill cancer patients participated. The collected data were analyzed with Giorgi’s phenomenological approach. Findings showed that terminally ill cancer patients experienced anxiety and limitations of modern medicine before laughter therapy; however, despite their unfamiliarity with the method before participation, they experienced physical enhancements, faith in the effectiveness of laughter treatment, and emotional satisfaction as a result of application of the therapy. In conclusion, terminally ill cancer patients’ perceptions of laughter therapy became positive following participation. It would be needed to do research on the expansion of laughter therapy as an alternative therapy for terminally ill cancer patients in the future. ? Rushing Water Publishers Ltd. 2018.