Laughter positive emotion, helpful, healthy way to deal with stress. Laughter therapy is a cognitive-behavioral therapy that can make physical, psychological; social relationships healthy improve quality of life. Laughter therapy positive effect on mental health alternative therapy. Laughter therapy does not require special preparations, such as appropriate facilities equipment easily accessible. Laughter reduces stress-producing hormones in the blood, can reduce the effects of stress. Depression is a disorder in which neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin is reduced brain. Problem mood control circuit of the brain. Laughter can alter dopamine serotonin activity. The endorphins released by laughter can be helpful when people are upset or depressed. Laughter therapy alternative treatment for depression that harms mental health. Examined the effect of laughter therapy on depression was in this study. In the research, it was used as "Pretest-Posttest-Semi-Experimental Design with Follow-Up Test Control Group." The study was conducted by obtaining a work permit from the participants who applied to the Psychology, Psychiatry Clinic in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. It was determined randomly which of the centers would be the experimental group the control group. While the study group consisted of 15 participants, the control group consisted of 15 participants. Participation of individuals included in the study was voluntary basis. While the experimental group received a 4-week "Laughter Therapy Practice," the control group received a placebo-like two-session training. Used personal information form Beck Depression Inventory. As a result, the depression levels of the participants who were treated with laughter therapy decreased.
Keywords: Laugh, laugher therapy, depression