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@article{186109,
        author = {Maheswari. K and Sasirekha},
        title = {A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVNESS OF LAUGHTER THERAPY ON DEPRESSION AMONG ELDERLY RESIDING IN SELECTED OLD AGE HOME AT DHARAPURAM},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {6},
        pages = {238-246},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=186109},
        abstract = {Title: Effectiveness of laughter therapy on depression among elderly residing in selected old age home at Dharapuram Objectives: To assess the level of depression among elderly residing in selected old age home at Dharapuram, To assess the effectiveness of Laughter therapy on depression among elderly residing in selected old age home at Dharapuram, To associate the level of depression among elderly residing in selected old age home at Dharapuram with their selected socio demographic variables. Hypotheses: There is a significant difference between the level of depression among the elderly before and after Laughter therapy, there is a significant association between the level of depression among elderly residing in old age home and their selected socio demographic variables. Modified Imogene King’s Goal Attainment Theory (1981) was adopted for this study. Methodology: A pre-experimental one group pretest posttest design was used. 40 elderly 60 and above 60 yrs of age were selected by purposive sampling method. The study was conducted in old age home at dharapuram, Pretest was conducted by Geriatric depression scale on the first day after obtaining consent from all the subjects then Laughter therapy was given 20 minutes twice a day for 5 Consecutive days (total 10 sessions) for the subjects. Post test was assessed on 7th day using the same tool. Findings: Laughter therapy reduced the depression level of the elderly in the old age homes. There was a significant association between posttest level of depression and age (60-70 years), sex(male), and medical illness (No medical illness), history of taking medicines (Not taking medicines) among elderly in the old age home. Conclusion: The study concluded that Laughter therapy is cost effective, non-invasive, non-pharmacological complementary and alternative therapy to reduce the level of depression among elderly.},
        keywords = {laughter therapy, depression, elderly, old age home},
        month = {October},
        }