Abstract
Objective: Many women suffer from migraines, regardless of
their menstrual cycle. This study aimed to determine the effect of
laughter therapy on women with migraine. Design: This is a
randomized controlled study to determine the effect of laughter therapy
on migraine. Setting: Single center in Turkey.
Population: 52 women with migraine. Materials and
methods: This randomized controlled study was carried out with 52
female students with migraine (control: 28, experimental: 24) studying
in the faculty of health sciences of a university. The sample was
randomly divided into two groups using the draw lots method. The
experimental group received 20-30-minute laughter therapy once a week
for 8 weeks. Main outcome measures: Data were collected before
and after the therapy using an Individual Identification Form created by
the researchers, the Visual Analog Scale, and the Psychological
Well-Being Scale. Results: There was no significant difference
between the experimental and control groups in terms of the
Psychological Well-Being Scale (p>0.05). Eight participants
in the experimental group had no headache or migraine attack during the
laughter therapy. Furthermore, there was a significant difference
between the pre-therapy and post-therapy pain severity in the
experimental and control groups (p<0.05). Conclusion:
Laughter therapy can be effective in reducing pain and preventing
migraine attacks in women with migraine.