AnxietyNCT07449013
The Effect Of Laughter Yoga and Emotional Freedom Technique on Anxiety in Pregnant Women
A study testing Laughter yoga and Emotional freedom technique in people with Anxiety and Pregnancy, run by Kırklareli University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- What is being tested?
- Laughter yoga and Emotional freedom technique
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 120 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2025to 12 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- For the laughter yoga group: Pregnant women who are willing to participate in the study, can read and understand Turkish, are aged 18 or over, have scored 37 or above on the STAI, have a spontaneous pregnancy, are in their second or third trimester, and have not previously practised laughter yoga.
- For the emotional freedom technique(EFT) group: Pregnant women who are willing to participate in the study, can read and understand Turkish, are aged 18 or over, have scored 37 or above on the STAI, have a spontaneous pregnancy, are in their second or third trimester, have not previously undergone EFT, and have no infections, wounds, scars, etc. in the tapping areas where EFT will be applied.
- For the control group: Pregnant women who volunteered to participate in the study, can read and understand Turkish, are aged 18 or over, scored 37 or above on the STAI, have a spontaneous pregnancy, are in their second or third trimester, and have not previously practised laughter yoga or EFT.
Who cannot join
- For the laughter yoga group: Those wishing to continue working, those diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy, those with chronic illnesses (hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, etc.), those with psychiatric illnesses and/or undergoing psychiatric treatment (pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy), those with any issues that prevent communication (such as impaired hearing, speech, or comprehension), those using pharmacological or non-pharmacological methods to reduce anxiety, those who have undergone abdominal surgery in the last three months, and pregnant women with glaucoma, hernia, epilepsy, bleeding haemorrhoids, or heart disease.
- For the EFT and control group: Those who do not wish to continue the study, those diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy, those with chronic illnesses (hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, etc.), Those with psychiatric disorders and/or undergoing psychiatric treatment (pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy), Those with any condition that impedes communication (such as impaired hearing, speech, or comprehension), Pregnant women using either pharmacological or non-pharmacological methods to reduce anxiety.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Kırklareli Healthy Life Center
Kırklareli, Centre, 39000
About this study
Official title: The Effect Of Laughter Yoga and Emotional Freedom Technique on Anxiety in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
Read the 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.
- Being tested
- Laughter yoga, Emotional freedom technique
- Keywords
- Anxiety, Pregnancy, Laughter Yoga, Emotional Freedom Technique
- Medical subject headings
- Anxiety Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Laughter yogaOther
Also called Laughter therapy
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.
Emotional freedom techniqueOther
Also called Emotional freedom techniques
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Laughter yoga group | Experimental | Laughter yoga will be applied to pregnant women with anxiety during pregnancy. Receives: Other: Laughter yoga |
| Emotional freedom technique(EFT) group | Experimental | Emotional freedom technique will be applied to pregnant women with anxiety during pregnancy. Receives: Other: Emotional freedom technique |
| Control group | No intervention | Participants in this group will consist of people who do not routinely do any practice on their own to reduce anxiety symptoms. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale
This scale, developed by Spielberg in 1973, consists of 20 questions. It is a 4-point Likert type scale (1=not at all, 4=very much). The lowest score that can be obtained from the scale is 20, and the highest score is 80. The higher the score is, the higher the anxiety level is. The alpha value of the scale is 0.86-.92.33. The validity and reliability study in our country was conducted by Oner et al., in 1983 and the alpha value was found between. The scale that will be used to evaluate the state and trait anxiety of pregnant women. As the score increases, it is determined that the anxiety is higher.
Measured: between six to twelve months
Introductory Information Form
A form that includes questions about women's socio-demographic and pregnancy and characteristics.
Measured: between six to twelve months
Pregnancy-related anxiety scale(PrAS)
This scale was originally developed by Brunton, and its Turkish validity and reliability were established by Solt and Gul. It is used to evaluate pregnancy-related anxiety. Higher total scores, as well as higher scores across its nine subscales, indicate greater levels of anxiety in pregnant women.It will be used to assess pregnancy-related anxiety.
Measured: between six to twelve months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2025
- Primary completion15 Mar 2026
- Study completion12 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for AnxietyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Randomized controlled clinical trial
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Kırklareli University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Efsun Derin, Kırklareli University
- Investigators
- Efsun Derin, Principal investigator, Kırklareli University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07449013
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KırklareliED-5
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 18 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect Of Laughter Yoga and Emotional Freedom Technique on Anxiety in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07449013
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KırklareliED-5
- Keywords
- Anxiety, Pregnancy, Laughter Yoga, Emotional Freedom Technique
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 120 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Kırklareli UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 12 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Randomized controlled clinical trial
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Laughter yoga group | Experimental | Other: Laughter yogaLaughter yoga will be applied to pregnant women with anxiety during pregnancy. |
| Emotional freedom technique(EFT) group | Experimental | Other: Emotional freedom techniqueEmotional freedom technique will be applied to pregnant women with anxiety during pregnancy. |
| Control group | No intervention | –Participants in this group will consist of people who do not routinely do any practice on their own to reduce anxiety symptoms. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- For the laughter yoga group: Pregnant women who are willing to participate in the study, can read and understand Turkish, are aged 18 or over, have scored 37 or above on the STAI, have a spontaneous pregnancy, are in their second or third trimester, and have not previously practised laughter yoga.
- For the emotional freedom technique(EFT) group: Pregnant women who are willing to participate in the study, can read and understand Turkish, are aged 18 or over, have scored 37 or above on the STAI, have a spontaneous pregnancy, are in their second or third trimester, have not previously undergone EFT, and have no infections, wounds, scars, etc. in the tapping areas where EFT will be applied.
- For the control group: Pregnant women who volunteered to participate in the study, can read and understand Turkish, are aged 18 or over, scored 37 or above on the STAI, have a spontaneous pregnancy, are in their second or third trimester, and have not previously practised laughter yoga or EFT.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- For the laughter yoga group: Those wishing to continue working, those diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy, those with chronic illnesses (hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, etc.), those with psychiatric illnesses and/or undergoing psychiatric treatment (pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy), those with any issues that prevent communication (such as impaired hearing, speech, or comprehension), those using pharmacological or non-pharmacological methods to reduce anxiety, those who have undergone abdominal surgery in the last three months, and pregnant women with glaucoma, hernia, epilepsy, bleeding haemorrhoids, or heart disease.
- For the EFT and control group: Those who do not wish to continue the study, those diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy, those with chronic illnesses (hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, etc.), Those with psychiatric disorders and/or undergoing psychiatric treatment (pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy), Those with any condition that impedes communication (such as impaired hearing, speech, or comprehension), Pregnant women using either pharmacological or non-pharmacological methods to reduce anxiety.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Laughter yogaAlso: Laughter therapyPregnant 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 | Laughter yoga group |
| Emotional freedom techniqueAlso: Emotional freedom techniquesPregnant 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. | Other | Emotional freedom technique(EFT) group |
Primary outcome
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale
Time frame: between six to twelve months
This scale, developed by Spielberg in 1973, consists of 20 questions. It is a 4-point Likert type scale (1=not at all, 4=very much). The lowest score that can be obtained from the scale is 20, and the highest score is 80. The higher the score is, the higher the anxiety level is. The alpha value of the scale is 0.86-.92.33. The validity and reliability study in our country was conducted by Oner et al., in 1983 and the alpha value was found between. The scale that will be used to evaluate the state and trait anxiety of pregnant women. As the score increases, it is determined that the anxiety is higher.
Introductory Information Form
Time frame: between six to twelve months
A form that includes questions about women's socio-demographic and pregnancy and characteristics.
Pregnancy-related anxiety scale(PrAS)
Time frame: between six to twelve months
This scale was originally developed by Brunton, and its Turkish validity and reliability were established by Solt and Gul. It is used to evaluate pregnancy-related anxiety. Higher total scores, as well as higher scores across its nine subscales, indicate greater levels of anxiety in pregnant women.It will be used to assess pregnancy-related anxiety.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Efsun Derin principal investigator
Kırklareli University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Laughter yoga and Emotional freedom technique in people with Anxiety and Pregnancy, run by Kırklareli University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale (time frame: between six to twelve months). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 May 2026.