The effect of interpersonal psychotherapy and laughter therapy on interpersonal relationships, problem solving and self-reflection in midwifery students

This study was conducted in a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled manner to evaluate the effects of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and Laughter Therapy. The study was applied to midwifery students at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery between June 2023 and June 2025. The study included 48 students who experienced conflict in their interpersonal relationships. Group IPT, Laughter Therapy and Placebo were applied to the experimental groups, while the control group was not subjected to any intervention. The students included in the study were screened with the General Health Questionnaire before the intervention and randomized into groups. Assessments were made at the 4th week, 8th week and 12th week before the intervention. Student Information Form, Interpersonal Relationship Dimension Scale (IRDS), Problem Solving Inventory (PSI), Interpersonal Problem Solving Inventory (IPPSI) and Self-Reflection Scale for Health Sciences Students (SB3S) were used as data collection tools. According to the results of the study: Group G1 (IPT): Significant improvements were observed in the sub-dimensions of CBCL (trust in others), PCI (planned approach), CPI (not taking responsibility), and SB3S (reflection during action, reflection for action). G2 Group (Laughter Therapy): Significant improvements were observed in the subscales of the PBSS (empathy, trust in others, emotional awareness), PSI total score, and PSI (persistent-persistent approach). Group G3 (Placebo): Significant improvements were observed in the sub-dimensions of CBCL (trust in others, emotion awareness), PCI total score, CPI (negative approach to the problem, constructive problem solving, insecurity, not taking responsibility) and SB3S (reflection for action) (p<0.05). As a result, it is understood that IPT, Laughter Therapy and Placebo applications to midwifery students who experience conflict in their interpersonal relationships contribute to improving communication skills and improving important psychological factors such as empathy and trust.