Can laughter be the best medicine? improv comedy tested as an anxiety treatment.
NCT ID NCT07737821
First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a four-week improv comedy program can reduce anxiety and improve mental well-being in Chinese young adults in Hong Kong who have mild-to-moderate anxiety but no diagnosed mental disorder. Participants attend weekly three-hour improv workshops and complete questionnaires on anxiety and well-being. The study compares them to a waitlist group to see if improv offers real benefits.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a structured, group-based improv comedy program called Improv Against Anxiety (IAA), consisting of four weekly 3-hour sessions using improv games and exercises
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a low-cost, non-drug option for easing mild-to-moderate anxiety in young adults.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with no blinding, so results may be influenced by expectation. The program is short and may not work for everyone.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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