Group Play Therapy Research Articles

The effectiveness of group play therapy using sand on social skills and behavioral problems of 5-9-year-old children in Tehran

This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of group play therapy using sand on children's social skills and behavioral problems. The statistical population included all children aged 5 to 9 years in Tehran in 1403, and among them 30 students were selected by available sampling according to the entry criteria and placed in two experimental and control groups. Then, at first, the subjects were measured by Babadi and Meshkani's life skills questionnaire (1389) and Shahim and Yousefi's children's behavioral problems questionnaire (1378) and after receiving group play therapy training using sand according to the protocol, the subjects again They completed the questionnaires. The research findings were analyzed by SPSS software using covariance analysis method and the results indicated the high effectiveness of group play therapy using sand on improving social skills and reducing children's behavioral problems

Effect of group play therapy as holistic geriatric interventional modality on feelings of loneliness among older people: A randomized control trial.

Previous research has identified loneliness as a significant social stressor among the older adult population, and highlights the scarcity of empirical research on the efficacy of group play therapy as a method for addressing loneliness in this demographic. This study aimed to explore the impact of group play therapy on reducing feelings of loneliness among older individuals. A randomized clinical trial was carried out in 2018 on 60 older adult participants from two governmental health centers in Mashhad, Iran. The intervention group received adult-centered play therapy for 12 sessions over 6 weeks, with each session lasting 60 min. The therapy protocol combined traditional and modern games, structured into three stages: warm-up, working and closing. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scale was used to measure feelings of loneliness at baseline and after the intervention. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21. There was a significant decrease in feelings of loneliness in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Additionally, a significant difference in feelings of loneliness was observed within the intervention group between baseline and follow up (P < 0.001). Group play therapy, involving a combination of traditional and modern games, can reduce feelings of loneliness among older adults. This method can promote healthy aging and improve mental health issues, such as loneliness, among older people. These findings can be utilized in healthcare centers and nursing homes for older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1067-1076.

Effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group play therapy on anxiety-based school refusal and behavioral problems in elementary school boys: a preliminary randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group play therapy on anxiety-based school refusal and behavioral issues in elementary school boys. A randomized controlled trial design (pretest-posttest with a control group) was utilized. Thirty elementary school boys with school refusal issues were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The intervention group received ten sessions of cognitive-behavioral group play therapy. The Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) questionnaire and Rutter's Children's Behavior Questionnaire were used as assessment tools. Mean scores for anxiety-based school refusal and behavioral problems in the intervention group showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001). Cognitive-behavioral group play therapy is a practical approach to reducing anxiety levels and behavior problems in children with anxiety-based school refusal in primary school grades.

Praktik Intervensi Pekerja Sosial dengan Metode Groupwork melalui Terapi Bermain Kelompok terhadap Anak Korban Kekerasan

Recently, cases of violence against children have become more prevalent. In recent years, Indonesia has often been mentioned as facing an emergency of violence against children, be it physical violence, sexual violence, bullying, and so on. The perpetrator even comes not only from the victim's external environment, but also by the victim's closest people and even the victim's own family. Meanwhile, the main concern is the impact experienced by child victims of violence. In the practice of social work, a social worker must strive to achieve evil for the child who is a victim. As a prospective professional social worker, Praktikan practiced social worker intervention with the groupwork method on six child victims of violence. Groupwork methods provide assistance such as self-help groups, achieving common goals in the group and so on. In this case, Praktikan conducts group play therapy for child victims of violence with the aim of reducing bad behavior and increasing the closeness of relationships among fellow clients. Kata Kunci: Metode Groupwork, Terapi Bermain Kelompok, Anak Korban Kekerasan.

Play therapy efficacy in ADHD-symptom reduction as measured by the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA)

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effect of play therapy combined with the standard psychotropic medication treatment, compared to only standard psychotropic medication treatment in ADHD children as measured by the test of variables of attention (TOVA). Methods: This is a case-control study conducted at Soerojo Hospital, Magelang, Indonesia. Children (N = 66) were purposively recruited. The children were divided into two groups based on the intervention received: the experimental group (play therapy and standard psychotropic medication) and control group (standard psychotropic medication only). Methylphenidate was used as the standard psychotropic therapy. The TOVA was performed before and after intervention. The pre-intervention and post-intervention mean difference (MD) in the Attention Comparison Score (ACS) and Comparison to the Normative Sample (CNS) for each group was compared and statistically analysed using t-tests and Wilcoxon tests. Results: There was a significant difference between the ACS score of the experimental group’s MD and the control group’s MD (p < 0.05). For most TOVA parameters on CNS scores, the experimental group had a significantly higher MD than the control group. Conclusion: Play therapy coupled with psychotropic medication reduced ADHD symptoms, including inattention and impulsivity, as objectively measured by the TOVA.

The Role of the Teacher in Reducing Post Disaster Trauma in Early Childhood

Natural disasters often occur in Indonesia, taking a toll. It is undeniable that anyone can become a victim of natural disasters, including early childhood. One of the impacts caused by the victim is a traumatic feeling that can occur at any time. Early childhood education teachers need to have a role as counselors in helping children who experience symptoms of trauma. Teacher skills are needed in aspects of learning in schools. This paper intends to reveal the role of teachers in reducing trauma after natural disasters in early childhood. The results of community empowerment through group play therapy training then carried out a pre-post test. The results showed that there were differences in knowledge related to the group play therapy method before and after.&#x0D; Keywords: group play therapy, post disaster trauma, early childhood teacher

The Effects of Physical Contact-based Group Play Therapy on Ego-resilience and Peer competence in non-disabled siblings with disabled siblings

The Effects of Physical Contact-based Group Play Therapy on Ego-resilience and Peer competence in non-disabled siblings with disabled siblings

Group Coloring Therapy As Trauma Healing For Child Community Affected By Mount Semeru Eruption: A Case Study

Children are one of the populations most affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru. Post-disaster trauma can have a higher risk of producing post-traumatic stress disorder compared to other traumatic events. Group coloring play therapy can be an intervention that can reduce traumatic feelings by helping children express traumatic feelings, feel relaxed, and restore children's ability to interact with children around them. This research uses a case study method with the target of children who experience anxiety due to traumatic experiences of the eruption of Mount Semeru, The ages of the children in this study were categorized into two groups, namely children aged 1-5 years (45.9%) and children aged 6-11 years (54.1%), Evaluation in the intervention program is divided into 3 parts (the structure, process evaluation, and results during activities where children affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru are happy with the activities carried out and are able to interact with group mates. Group play therapy is able to have a positive impact on children affected by the Semeru eruption. after the intervention. children are able to express their traumatic feelings, are able to interact between team members, and show a happy and enthusiastic attitude during therapy.

분석심리학적 집단성인놀이치료 프로그램이 영유아기 자녀를 둔 어머니의 우울, 불안 및 양육스트레스에 미치는 효과

본 연구는 영유아기 자녀를 둔 어머니를 대상으로 분석심리학에 기반한 집단성인놀이치료를 실시하여 어머니의 우울과 불안 및 양육스트레스에 미치는 효과를 검증하는데 목적이 있다. 이를 위해 12회기의 3단계로 구성된 프로그램을 구성하여 서울지역에 소재한 영유아 자녀를 둔 어머니 36명을 대상으로 실험집단과 통제집단을 각각 18명씩 배정하였다. 실험집단을 대상으로 집단성인놀이치료 프로그램을 총 12회기, 주 2회, 매회기 90분 동안 실시하였다. 수집된 자료로 통계적인 분석을 실시한 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 분석심리학에 기반한 집단성인놀 이치료 프로그램은 어머니의 우울과 불안 감소에 유의미한 효과가 있었다. 둘째, 본 프로그램은 어머니의 양육스 트레스 감소에 유의미한 효과가 있었다. 셋째, 본 프로그램 실시 후 3개월이 지난 추후검사에서도 어머니의 우울, 불안 및 양육스트레스가 감소되어 유지됨을 확인하였다. 본 연구의 결과를 통해 분석심리학에 기반한 집단성인놀 이치료 프로그램은 영유아기 자녀를 둔 어머니의 우울과 불안, 양육 스트레스의 감소를 입증하였으며, 집단성인놀 이치료 프로그램의 적용에서 분석심리학적인 놀이 매체를 활용한 성인놀이치료의 활용 가능성을 확인하였다는 점에서 연구의 차별성을 띤다.

The effectiveness of child-centered group play therapy and narrative therapy on preschoolers’ separation anxiety disorder and social-emotional behaviours

ABSTRACT This study examined the effectiveness of child-centered group play therapy (CCGPT) and narrative therapy in reducing separation anxiety disorder (SAD) and boosting social-emotional behaviours in early childhood (2.5-4-year-olds). An 8-week-randomized controlled trial design with three intervention groups, i.e. CCGPT, narrative therapy, and a combination of both interventions (i.e. combined group), and one control group that provided data at a pre-test and post-test, was adopted. A total of 48 children who showed signs of SAD participated in the study. Results showed that compared to the control group, CCGPT and combined group interventions showed a lower separation anxiety level. Children in all three intervention groups showed lower behavioural problems and higher prosocial behaviours than the control group. The findings suggest that the three interventions could be effective selective psychotherapy methods to promote social-emotional competencies. The CCGPT and combined group, particularly, were effective psychotherapy methods for reducing SAD in early childhood.

The Effects of Reality Therapy-based Adult Group Play Therapy on Self-Esteem and Depression in Victims of Domestic Violence

The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of reality therapy-based adult group play therapy on self-esteem and depression in women victims of domestic violence. To confirm the effectiveness of the program, 7 women living in a short-term shelter for victims of domestic violence in S-city were formed as an experimental group by convenience sampling method. A self-report scale was used to measure self-esteem and depression, and the collected data were analyzed through SPSS. The program reflects the basic elements of Glasser's RWDEP system. And the contents were structured so that all the process is done through play. The program consisted of a total of 10 sessions and was conducted once a week for 120 minutes. As a result of the study, reality therapy-based adult group play therapy had a significant effect on improving self-esteem and reducing depression in female victims of domestic violence. There were differences in the presence or absence of effects in the sub-factors of depression. Negative attitude and difficulty in performance decreased significantly after participating in the program. However, there was no significant change in physical factors. The above results were discussed, and directions for developing the program were suggested.

Peningkatan Prevensi Masalah Psikososial Pasca Bencana dengan Group Supportive Therapy dan Play Therapy

West Sumatra is one of the disaster-prone areas in Indonesia, due to geographical, climatic, geological and other factors. Padang Pariaman is one area that is often affected by disasters, especially earthquakes. One of the vulnerable groups directly affected by the disaster is school-age children. Psychological problems in school-age children can affect life in the future. This area-based community service activity aims to increase independence, increase health status and community welfare by increasing the ability of school-age children to reduce the prevention of post-disaster psychosocial problems through group supportive therapy and Play Therapy. The target of this activity is school-age children and teachers, totaling 37 people. This activity is carried out from May to November 2021 in Padang Pariaman. The method of activity is education and simulation divided into three stages: (1) planning stage, (2) implementation stage, (3) evaluation stage. There is an increase in the understanding and skills of the community, especially school-age children in the prevention of post-disaster psychosocial problems, as well as an increase in the network of collaboration between the Health Polytechnic, the Ministry of Health of Padang and the District Government of Padang Pariaman.

Research Trend of Group Play Therapy in Korea - Focusing on Papers Published in 122 Korean Academic Journals(1998-2020)-

본 연구는 국내 집단놀이치료에 대한 연구를 고찰하여 집단놀이치료의 연구동향을 살펴보고자 한 것이다. 1990년에서 2020년까지의 국내 학술지 122편의 논문을 기초로 하여, 출판기준, 연구대상, 집단구성, 연구설계, 연구유형, 종속변인 측면에서 분석하였다. 분석방법은 SPSS WIN 25.0 프로그램으로 기술통계(빈도, 백분율)를 실시하였으며, 연구결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 연구대상은 유아와 초등학생의 비율이 높았고, 주로 의료기관의 진단이 없는 경우가 연구대상으로 선정되었다. 둘째, 집단구성은 5명 이하로 구성된 집단이 많았고, 총회기 수는 9∼14회기, 회기별 시간은 40분∼60분으로 구성된 연구가 가장 많았다. 치료자의 배경은 임상가인 연구자가 가장 많았고, 보조치료자를 두지 않는 연구가 주로 이루어졌으며, 보조치료자의 경우 심리치료 관련 대학원생이 가장 높은 비율을 차지하였다. 그리고 연구 시 사전동의가 명시되지 않은 연구가 명시된 연구 보다 많았다. 셋째, 연구설계는 사전-사후 통제집단 연구가 가장 높은 비율을 차지하였다. 넷째, 연구유형은 양적연구와 질적연구를 혼합한 혼합연구가 가장 많이 나타났다. 마지막으로 종속변인으로는 사회성관련 변인, 자아(자기)관련 변인, 정서관련 변인 순으로 높은 비율을 차지하였다. 결론적으로, 본 연구는 국내 집단놀이치료의 연구동향을 분석함으로써 임상가 및 후속 연구자에게 관련 정보를 제공하고, 집단놀이치료에 대한 이해를 도울 수 있는 기초자료가 될 것이다.

The Role of Group Play Therapy in Improving Adolescents’ Social Interaction

The global pandemic COVID-19 is affecting individuals’ health, physically and financially. During the outbreak, a state of lockdown significantly impacted adolescents’ social interaction. Being alone is a common phenomenon. However, avoiding social interaction due to low self-esteem or insecurities eventually will lead to psychological problems in the long run. Hence, this research has a two-fold view. First, to improve communication skills using group play therapy, and to enhance adolescents’ acceptance in building new relationships with others and their age group. This research employed an action research process from the cycle process planning until the reflecting stage from two volunteer adolescents and referred by the class teachers. This study examines group play therapy through five-session activities to trigger social interaction during ice breaking, expressing feelings, sharing a common interest, friendship chains, and values others. Throughout the sessions, it was found that adolescents developed their social interaction with new people involving communication skills. In fact, self-acceptance was constructed based on analyzing the participants’ and friends’ revelations in the interviews. Thus, it can be implied from the research findings that group play therapy improved positive social interaction and was used to avoid social awkwardness.

Group Play Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Who Have Negative Experiences in Interpersonal Relationship: Focusing How to Experience

Group Play Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Who Have Negative Experiences in Interpersonal Relationship: Focusing How to Experience

불안이 높은 유아를 위한 보육기관에서의 집단놀이치료가 불안감소와 정서능력에 미치는 효과

This study aimed to verify the effects of group play therapy at childcare centers for young children with high levels of anxiety and to understand changes in the children’s emotions. Six out of 12 young children aged four and five who showed clinically significant levels of anxiety were selected to be in the test group. The children participated in a total of 12 sessions of a childcare center-based group play therapy program. Based on a statistical analysis of the collected data, this study identified the effects of the program on anxiety and emotional competence of the children. With the use of qualitative analysis, it also examined changes in their play and emotions. The results of the analysis are as follows. First, in terms of generalized anxiety disorder, the test group’s scores significantly decreased in the posttest compared to the pretest. Second, the test group showed statistically significant differences in others’ emotions, emotional words, and emotional competence. Third, the qualitative analysis showed that there were changes in the characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder that the children had shown at the early stage. The changes included reduced sensitive response, increased conversations, and brighter facial expressions at the later stage. Fourth, according to the qualitative analysis, compared to the early stage, the children were able to better understand their peers and displayed higher levels of emotional competence to socialize with others at the later stage. Based on the analysis of the study, it can be seen that the results of previous studies that showed the effects of group play therapy on the anxiety and emotional competence of young children can be also applied to young children with high anxiety levels when the therapy is provided at the setting of childcare centers.

The Effect of Group Play Therapy on Anxiety in Children Diagnosed with Leukemia

BackgroundOne of the factors leading to anxiety in children with cancer is child hospitalization. This anxiety can be due to separation, sadness, as well as fear of a new environment, disability, and continuation of life.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of group play therapy on anxiety in children with leukemia.MethodsThe current research had an applied and quasi-experimental approach, with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population of this study included all 8-12-year-old children with leukemia hospitalized in Dr. Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman in 2018. Among them, 30 children were selected by a convenient sampling method and were randomly assigned to the two experimental and control groups equally. The research tool was the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC). Concerning the inferential analysis, the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) method was used to compare quantitative variables between the three groups. Also, the ANCOVA model was used for modeling the difference between pretest and posttest measurements and adjusting for the effect of confounding variables such as gender and age. The analyses were performed using SPSS.22 software.ResultsThe results showed a significant reduction in anxiety scores between children who received group play therapy (mean anxiety=59.60) and those who did not receive any intervention (mean anxiety=60.60) (p>0.001). Based on the findings, the group play therapy intervention is effective in anxiety in children with leukemia.ConclusionAccording to the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that group play therapy is effective in reducing anxiety in children with leukemia.

집단놀이치료 프로그램이 지적장애 아동의 사회적 기술에 미치는 효과

This study was conducted to investigate whether group play therapy program is effective in improving social skills of children with intellectual disabilities. First, the effect of the group play therapy program on the changes in the scores of the social skills scale of children with intellectual disabilities is investigated. Second, find out the effects of group play therapy program on pro-social behavior of children with intellectual disabilities. The subjects of the study were 7 children that were diagnosed with intellectual disabilities aged 10-12 using the A center located in D city. The group play therapy program was conducted twice a week for a total of 12 sessions for 6 weeks. As a result of the study, the social skill scale of children with intellectual disabilities in the experimental group was increased in the post-test compared to the pre-test. Second, as the session progressed, the incidence of pro-social behaviors of children with intellectual disabilities in the experimental group steadily increased and showed social improvement.

Comparing the Effects of Group Play Therapy and Painting Therapy on Social Adjustment and Alienation among Children with Specific Learning Disabilities in Kermanshah, Iran

Background Most children with learning disorders suffer from anxiety, depression, alienation, and social adjustment difficulties, which must be taken into account in the treatment process. This study compared group play therapy and painting therapy's effectiveness on social adjustment and alienation among Iranian children with specific learning disabilities. Materials and Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test, follow-up design, and a control group. The statistical population included all the girl students with learning disabilities in Kermanshah, Iran, in 2019. The sample consisted of 45 children with specific learning disabilities selected by convenience sampling and divided into two experimental groups (group plays therapy & painting therapy, n = 15 per group), and a control group (n = 15). The research instruments included the Social Adjustment Scale and the Children's Loneliness Scale. The first experimental group underwent eight sessions (45-minute sessions per week) of group play therapy and the second experimental group underwent eight sessions (45-minute sessions per week) of painting therapy. The follow-up was performed after 45 days. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 21.0. Results: The participants included 45 girl students with specific learning disabilities, aged 11.20 ± 1.22 years old. The results indicated that play therapy and painting therapy interventions alleviated alienation and improved social adjustment among students with learning disabilities (P=0.001). There was no significant difference between play therapy's effectiveness and that of painting therapy on social adjustment and alienation. Conclusion This intervention method can be employed to mitigate alienation and enhance social adjustment among children with learning disabilities.

위축문제 아동의 또래관계 개선을 위한 자기표현중심 집단놀이치료 사례연구

위축문제 아동의 또래관계 개선을 위한 자기표현중심 집단놀이치료 사례연구