The Role of Laughter Therapy in Adults: Life Satisfaction and Anxiety Control. A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Currently, therapies aimed at enhancing emotional well-being are at the forefront, responding to the comprehensive care of the human being. This has led researchers to address fundamental aspects, such as life satisfaction and anxiety, by implementing adjunct therapies, such as laughter therapy. However, laughter therapies and their techniques in adults have been underexplored. This study aimed to understand the effect of laughter therapy on life satisfaction and anxiety management in adults. The study involved a systematic review of randomised controlled trials with random-effects meta-analyses, while accounting for global heterogeneity. Previously, Bias Risk was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 Tool in a total of 33 articles, finding an adequate quality adjustment. Meta-analysis models revealed significant results for anxiety management (SMD = − 0.83, 95% CI, − 1.12 to – 0.54) and increased life satisfaction (SMD = 0.98, 95% CI, 0.18 to 1.79) through laughter therapy. Subgroup analyses were included, highlighting the effect of laughter yoga for presenting greater benefits on anxiety (SMD = − 1.02, 95% CI, − 1.51 to – 0.52) and life satisfaction (SMD = 1.28, 95% CI, 0.56 to 2.00). Despite their heterogeneity, positive variations were observed among different laughter therapy techniques, suggesting that laughter therapy could be beneficial in reducing anxiety levels and improving life satisfaction. Continued randomized controlled trials are recommended to strengthen the evidence and thus promote these types of therapies more frequently in socio-sanitary environments.