An Investigation of the Efficacy of Play Therapy with Young Children

This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of play therapy as a method of intervention for children with a variety of emotional and behavioral problems. Specifically, the study was aimed at determining the effectiveness of play therapy in: (a) improving self-concepts of children with adjustment difficulties; (b) reducing internalizing behavior problems, such as withdrawal, somatic complaints, anxiety, and depression; (c) reducing externalizing behavioral problems such as aggression and delinquent behaviors; (d) reducing overall behavior problems, social problems, thought problems, and attention problems of children with adjustment difficulties; and (e) reducing parenting stress of parents of children who were experiencing adjustment difficulties.The experimental group consisted of 15 children who were experiencing a variety of adjustment difficulties and received play therapy once per week for 7 to 10 weeks. The control group consisted of 14 children who were experiencing a variety of adjustment difficulties and who were on a waiting list to receive intervention, and therefore, did not receive any treatment during the time of data collection. Experimental and control group children were administered the Joseph Pre-School and Primary Self-Concept Screening Test and parents of all participants completed the Child Behavior Checklist and the Parenting Stress Index at pretest and posttest data collection times. A gain scores analysis revealed that children in the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement on internalizing behavior problems. Also, a reduction in externalizing behavior problems and parenting stress was observed. No improvement in self-concept was demonstrated. This study provides evidence that play therapy is a viable intervention for treating a variety of emotional and behavioral difficulties in young children, particularly children who are experiencing internalizing behavior problems.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

1999

Author dc:creator

• Brandt, Marielle Aloyse

Contributors dc:contributor

• Bratton, Sue C.
• Altekruse, Michael K.
• Baker, David

• Play therapy.
• Child psychotherapy.
• play therapy
• emotional problems
• behavioral problems

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Brandt, Marielle Aloyse
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 44262892
untcat: b2206733
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2184/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc2184

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc2184