Evaluating the Effectiveness of Play Therapy Among Preschool Children

• In Event: 33.080 - Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: 33.080-7 - Innovative Counseling Approaches and Techniques

Abstract

Child-centered play therapy allows children to express feelings and master important skills. However, there is a need for controlled outcome-based research examining its effectiveness (Phillips, 2010; LeBlanc & Ritchie, 2001). The current study tracked the progress of preschool children’s self-regulation, theory of mind, and aggression. After eight sessions, children receiving play therapy demonstrated improvements in effortful control and theory of mind, but also demonstrated increases in aggression. The findings align with research indicating that, during therapy, negative behaviors often increase before improving (Bratton, Rae, Rhine, & Jones, 2005; Norton & Norton 2002). At the conclusion of the intervention (16 sessions), aggression levels will again be assessed. The results provide outcomes-based evidence of the stages and effectiveness of play therapy.

Authors

• Catherine M. Bohn-Gettler, College of Saint Benedict

• Susan Bray, Wichita State University