Development of sandplay production analysis evaluation matrix for children with tic disorders

Abstract

Objective To develop a sandplay analysis evaluation matrix for children with tic disorders. Methods 113 children were chosen as the study subjects . Based on the grounded theory, the open coding, correlated coding and core coding were carried out on coding elements for sandplay process to gain the third-level, second-level and first-level evaluation codes. The reliability and validity of the codes were tested. Results The sandplay analysis evaluation matrix for children with tic disorders was established including 48 third-level, 17 second-level and 3 first-level evaluation codes. The codes were proved to be reliable and valid through the comparison and conditional coding with query. Conclusion The sandplay analysis evaluation matrix for children with tic disorders, which is established based on the grounded theory, is reliable and operable. It can be used as a tool to assess the psychological or behavioral problems of children with tic disorders dynamically. Key words: Tic disorders; Grounded theory; Children; Sandplay; Evaluation