Authors & Institutions

Milad Tabei – Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Hadi Hasani – Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tayebeh Negahban Bonabi – Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Niyayesh Kargar – Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Fatemeh Tamadon – Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Country: Iran City: Rafsanjan

Published: July 2025 in Acta Psychologica (Elsevier)

Who Were the Participants?

221 kindergarten children screened (ages 4–7 years)

56 children diagnosed with Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

29 children → Laughter Yoga group

27 children → Control group

Average age: 5.5 years

Prevalence found: 25.33% of kindergarten children had separation anxiety

Objective of the Study

Can Laughter Yoga reduce separation anxiety in young children attending kindergarten?

This was the first study in the world to test Laughter Yoga specifically for separation anxiety in preschool children.

Study Design

Type: Experimental pre–post study with control group

Assessment tools used:

CSI-4 → to diagnose separation anxiety

Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale (Parent Version) → to measure severity

Parents filled questionnaires before and after the intervention.

Laughter Yoga Protocol (Child-Friendly)

Duration: 4 weeks

Frequency: 3 sessions per week

Session length: 45 minutes

Laughter Session Included: Clapping + rhythmic chanting (Ho-Ho-Ha-Ha-Ha), Playful movements, Fake → real laughter, Deep breathing, Joyful affirmations

Laughter Measurement:

Researchers used the Laughter Intensity and Frequency Scale (LIFS) to quantify laughter frequency and intensity.

Main Outcome (Very Important)

Group                    Before        After

Laughter Yoga       63.03         47.75

Control                   63.88        62.88

Laughter Yoga Helps Children by

• Lowering stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline)
• Activating the parasympathetic nervous system
• Increasing endorphins & dopamine
• Making children feel safe, relaxed, and confident
• Reducing fear of separation naturally

Why This Study Is Important?

• First evidence supporting Laughter Yoga for childhood separation anxiety
• Supports integrating laughter into early childhood education
• Aligns perfectly with preventive mental-health approaches

Link to the scientific research

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001691825005943