1* PhD Scholar, Meenakshi college of Nursing, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research, Chennai .
2 Guide, Assistant Professor, Meenakshi college of Nursing, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research, Chennai
3 Vice Principal, Meenakshi college of Nursing, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research, Chennai
4 Principal, College of Nursing, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai
5 Principal, Mahendra College of Nursing, Salem
6 Principal, Adwika Institute of Nursing, Bangalore
Background: Adolescent mental health disorders represent a growing public health challenge, with anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem affecting emotional development, academic performance, social relationships, and quality of life. There is an increasing need for safe, affordable, and culturally acceptable non-pharmacological interventions that can be integrated into school and community health programmes. Objectives: To review the existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of Tai Chi and laughter therapy in improving anxiety, selfesteem, and psychological well-being among adolescents and to explore their potential application in community-based mental health promotion. Methodology: A narrative review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Studies published in English evaluating Tai Chi or laughter therapy among adolescents or young populations were identified. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were included. Relevant information regarding intervention characteristics, psychological outcomes, effectiveness, and limitations was extracted and synthesized narratively. Results: The available evidence indicates that Tai Chi may improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety symptoms, and enhance psychological well-being through mechanisms involving mindfulness, autonomic regulation, stress reduction, and increased physical activity. Laughter therapy has demonstrated beneficial effects on mood, stress reduction, emotional expression, self-esteem, and social connectedness. Conclusion: Tai Chi and laughter therapy appear to be promising complementary approaches for adolescent mental health promotion. Their low cost, safety, and feasibility support their potential integration into school and community-based health programmes. Further well-designed research is required to establish their effectiveness and long-term public health impact. . .
Keywords: Adolescent; Anxiety; Community Health; Laughter Therapy; Mental Health Promotion; Self-esteem; Tai Chi .
How to cite this article: Arokia Doss TJ, Thephilah Cathrine R, Jayabharathi B, Jayanthi P, Anniemary G, Rajeswari S., Tai Chi and Laughter Therapy: Emerging Complementary Strategies for Adolescent Mental Health Promotion. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(76s): 1463-1466; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.76s.129
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None.