The Effectiveness of Play Therapy on Reduction of Symptoms of Insecure Attachment and Separation Anxiety of among Preschoolers

Abstract

Introduction: the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of play therapy on reduction of symptoms of insecure attachment and separation anxiety of preschoolers. Method: the present study was experimental with a control group design and included pre-test, post-test. Sampling was purposeful in which 20 preschoolers from Garmsar preschools and kindergartens who were received high score in pre-test were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups (experimental and control). The instruments that used as pre-test and post-test were RADQ and CSI-4 questionnaires. The Experimental group received 8 sessions of group play therapy weekly and the control group received nothing. After sessions both groups participated in post-test and the data were collected. Analysis of the data was done by descriptive and inferential analysis such as covariance analysis. Results: the result showed that play therapy was effective on reduction of symptoms of insecure attachment and separation anxiety (𝛂 < 𝟎.𝟎𝟓) Conclusion: The application of play therapy is effective on reducing level of separation anxiety and problems of insecure attachment in preschool children. It could be concluded that considering the capabilities of group play therapy, its application in decreasing children's anxiety and emotional, behavioral and interaction deficits, is effective and by this intervention they can promote personal and social adjustment. Declaration of Interest: None