NCT07449013

The Effect Of Laughter Yoga and Emotional Freedom Technique on Anxiety in Pregnant Women

The Effect Of Laughter Yoga and Emotional Freedom Technique on Anxiety in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Kırklareli University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This research was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study to determine the effects of laughter yoga and emotional freedom techniques(EFT) on anxiety in pregnant women.

Detailed description

Pregnancy is a process that involves not only physical changes to the body but also profound and continuous emotional and psychological changes. Hormonal fluctuations, bodily changes, cultural norms, and the responsibilities that come with motherhood can cause anxiety in pregnant women. A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted to determine anxiety experienced during pregnancy found that the prevalence of anxiety was 22%. In a study conducted in Turkey, it was reported that 32% of pregnant women experienced anxiety during pregnancy. When looking at the effects of anxiety during pregnancy on the mother and baby, it is seen that there are many negative effects, ranging from low birth weight to an increased risk of postpartum depression. Therefore, methods for coping with anxiety become important at this point. Laughter yoga and the emotional freedom technique(EFT) are effective methods for reducing anxiety. Laughter yoga is an exercise programme that combines unconditional laughter with yoga breathing (Pranayama) techniques. It lowers stress hormone levels and stimulates the release of endorphins, making the person feel good. The emotional freedom technique is an energy technique based on the idea that 'the source of negative emotions is disturbances in the body's energy system.' It provides relaxation by balancing the person's energy fields. A review of the literature reveals that no studies have been conducted on the effects of laughter yoga and the emotional freedom technique on anxiety during pregnancy.This research was planned to determine the effect of laughter yoga and the emotional freedom technique applied to pregnant women on anxiety.

Conditions

• Anxiety
• Pregnancy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Laughter yoga	Pregnant women in the laughter yoga group will undergo a total of six sessions over two weeks, three times a week, with each session lasting an average of 40-50 minutes. The laughter yoga programme consists of the following: hand clapping and warm-up exercises, deep breathing exercises, childlike games, laughter exercises and laughter meditation.
OTHER	Emotional freedom technique	Pregnant women in the emotional freedom technique group will undergo a total of six sessions over two weeks, three times a week, with each session lasting an average of 40-50 minutes.The emotional freedom technique application consists of the following sections: Identifying the Problem, Grading the Problem, Creating the Setup Phrase, Applying Tapping, Evaluating the Result.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-03-15
• Completion: 2026-04-01
• First posted: 2026-03-04
• Last updated: 2026-03-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)