Effects of a health promotion program including laughter on the interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, depression and health risk behaviors of patients with mental disorders

Abstract

This study examined a health promotion program consisting of laughter, health education, and dancing for a total of 24 weeks, from August to December of 2014. The subjects were 16 patients with mental disorders registered and cared for at a mental health promotion center. This study determined the influence of the health promotion program on the patients’ interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, depression, and health risk behaviors. Following the completion of the program, the patients’ scores on interpersonal relationships and self-esteem development improved. In addition, a decrease was observed in their depression levels and health risk behaviors. Therefore, the health promotion program facilitated an improvement in the patients’ interpersonal relationships, self-esteem development, and depression levels. In turn, a decrease in the patients’ health risk behaviors prevented the development of lifestyle diseases. ? 2015 SERSC.