The effect of play therapy on behavioral problems, reduction of attention deficit and hyperactivity in children

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of play therapy on reducing behavioral problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and children. Methods: The present study was an experimental-design project (pre-test-post-test) with a control group. The statistical population of the present study consisted of all hyperactive primary school male students in an elementary school, among whom, a statistical sample in the fifth and sixth grades (mean age 11 years) 24 people were selected by purposive sampling using the inclusion criteria and randomly divided into two groups and then the experimental group under 8 sessions of 1.5 hours with the cooperation of school counseling officials under play therapy training it placed. In order to collect data, Rutter Behavioral Problems Questionnaire (Parent Form) and Conners Grading Questionnaire were used to evaluate the subjects and the collected information was analyzed in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results of data analysis showed that play therapy was associated with a significant effect on reducing behavioral problems and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in primary school children (F = 592.317; significance level = 0.001) and reduced behavioral problems and reduced the severity of hyperactivity symptoms. Conclusion: Due to the effectiveness of play therapy, this issue can be effective in reducing children's behavioral problems as well as improving the attention and hyperactivity of primary school children.