A Study on the Relation of Laughter Index, Depression and Anxiety in Middle-aged Women

중년여성의 웃음지수, 우울, 불안과의 관계

  • Kim, Hye-Soon (Department of Nursing, Gachon University of Medicine and Science) ;
  • Lee, Eun-Ja (Department of Nursing, Gachon University of Medicine and Science)
  • 김혜순 (가천의과학대학교 간호학과) ;
  • 이은자 (가천의과학대학교 간호학과)
  • Received : 2006.11.15
  • Accepted : 2006.12.10
  • Published : 2006.12.30

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate Laughter Index, depression and anxiety in middle-aged women. Method: The data were collected from 622 middle-aged women by means of structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis by SPSS version 10. Results: The measuring of respondents' laughter index revealed they scored an average of 94.75 (${\pm}16.13$) of the full score 150. The measuring of respondents' depression showed they marked an average of 42.69 (${\pm}7.72$) of the full score 80. The measuring of respondents' anxiety showed they marked an average of 42.03 (${\pm}9.48$) of the full score 80. Respondents statistically showed the significant difference in their laughter index depending on age(t=.917, p=.000), and economic status(F=21.710, p=.000). Respondents statistically revealed the significant difference in depression depending on religion(F=3.396, p=.018), economic status(F=13.660, p=.000). Respondents statistically revealed the significant difference in anxiety depending on religion(F=5.557, p=.001), economic status(F=16.79, p=.000). The laughter index related to depression and anxiety in middle-aged women were significantly correlated. Conclusion: This study showed that laughter index in middle-aged women was correlated negatively depression and anxiety. Further research is regarded as necessary to evaluate and to compare effects of laughter with physical health status.

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