Impact of laughter therapy in alleviating the psychological suffering of cancer patients

Abstract

Cancer is a condition that frequently triggers intense psychological suffering, manifested by symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, and existential anguish, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. In this context, non-pharmacological interventions focused on humanizing care have been increasingly explored as complementary strategies in managing psychological suffering in oncology. In this context, laughter therapy, often associated with hospital clown therapy, has been investigated for its potential to promote emotional well-being and facilitate adaptation to the illness process. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on the effects of laughter therapy in reducing psychological suffering in cancer patients. This is an integrative literature review, conducted in systematic stages. The search was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) databases, using controlled descriptors and Boolean operators. Articles published between 2015 and 2025, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, available in full text and addressing the application of laughter therapy in cancer patients, were included. The results demonstrated that laughter therapy is associated with a significant reduction in anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms, as well as promoting a decrease in overall emotional distress, including feelings of fear, anguish, and hopelessness. A positive impact on promoting psychological well-being was also observed, with an increase in positive emotions, improved mood, and greater coping capacity. Additionally, some studies pointed to physiological effects related to stress reduction, such as decreased cortisol levels, reinforcing the interaction between psychological and biological aspects. Despite the methodological heterogeneity among the included studies, the evidence suggests that laughter therapy represents a promising complementary strategy, capable of contributing to the humanization of cancer care and to the improvement of patients' mental health.