Laughter yoga review reports mixed outcomes in children
Studies reported less anxiety and stress, but depression scores and cortisol did not show statistically significant changes; the size and duration of any benefits remain unclear.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review reported reductions in children's anxiety and stress after laughter yoga, alongside some positive findings for pain, fatigue and happiness. Depression scores and cortisol levels did not show statistically significant effects. Because the abstract does not give effect sizes, comparison conditions or follow-up periods, it leaves the practical importance of these findings uncertain.
The abstract combines randomized and quasi-experimental evidence without reporting results separately by design. It also omits effect sizes and follow-up details, limiting conclusions about how much children improved or whether changes lasted.
What was studied
Laughter yoga brings together voluntary laughter and controlled breathing. The review examined children's health outcomes across several studies, rather than testing a single uniform program with a clearly described comparison group in the abstract.
Different measures, different findings
Self-concept reportedly improved, while self-esteem showed no substantial improvement. Salivary IgA increased, but this biomarker result does not establish fewer illnesses or broader immune protection. The nonsignificant depression and cortisol findings also do not establish absence of an effect.
The original publication
Healing with laughter: the therapeutic power of laughter yoga in pediatric health - a systematic review.
Dur Ş, Erkin Ö, Çetin RC
BMC Pediatr · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41485062
- Record checked
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