The Effects of Laughter Therapy for the Relief of Employment-Stress in Korean Student Nurses by Assessing Psychological Stress Salivary Cortisol and Subjective Happiness
Ji-Soo Lee, Soo-Kyoung Lee
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Korean student nurses may be exposed to stress caused by their future employment (employment stress). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a Laughter Program on psychological stress, by assessing salivary cortisol and the subjective happiness of student nurses in order to relieve employment stress. METHODS: = 48) from 2 universities in Korea at a time when participants' final exams and job searches were simultaneously occurring. Physiological stress (salivary cortisol), and psychological stress measured using modified Cornell Medical Index questionnaire and the Subjective Happiness Scale were used to determine the effects of the program. RESULTS: < 0.001) were statistically significantly improved after the intervention compared with before the Laughter Program. CONCLUSION: This study is an effective evidence-based intervention to reduce student nurses employment stress and improve subjective happiness.