Effectiveness of Laughter Yoga and Mindfulness on Psychological Well-Being and Physiological Parameters among School-Going Adolescents at Risk for Smartphone Addiction: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Smartphone addiction among adolescents is an emerging public health concern affecting psychological well-being and physiological health. Limited research studies exist on integrated, low-cost, school-based interventions addressing both domains. This study helps to evaluate the effectiveness of laughter yoga and mindfulness on psychological well-being and physiological parameters among school-going adolescents at risk for smartphone addiction. A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was adopted. A total of 180 adolescents were selected using purposive sampling and allocated into three groups: laughter yoga (n = 60), mindfulness (n = 60), and control (n = 60). Interventions were administered for 25–30 min daily, 5 days a week, for 30 days. Psychological well-being and physiological parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and sleep scores) were assessed at baseline and on the 15th, 30th, and 60th days using standardized tools. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Baseline characteristics were comparable across groups ( p >0.05), except for diastolic blood pressure. Both intervention groups showed significant improvement in psychological well-being compared to the control group (F = 270.196, p = 0.001; partial η 2 = 0.604). Laughter yoga significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and improved sleep scores ( p ≤0.001), whereas mindfulness significantly improved all physiological parameters ( p <0.05). Between-group comparison revealed that both interventions were more effective than the control ( p <0.05). Mindfulness showed greater improvement than laughter yoga in blood pressure and sleep scores, with no significant difference in heart rate. Laughter yoga and mindfulness are effective interventions for improving psychological well-being, physiological parameters, and sleep quality among adolescents at risk for smartphone addiction. Mindfulness demonstrated comparatively greater effectiveness. These findings support the inclusion of structured mind-body interventions in school health programs.