Purpose: This study aims to examine the effects of play therapy techniques on the learned helplessness levels and social comparison tendencies of children living in children's homes.
Purpose: This study aims to examine the effects of play therapy techniques on the learned helplessness levels and social comparison tendencies of children living in children's homes. Method: The study was conducted using a randomized experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The research sample consisted of 39 children living in children's homes affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services in Türkiye. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental (n=21) and control (n=18) groups. The experimental group received a six-week structured play therapy program. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Learned Helplessness Scale, and the Social Comparison Scale, and nonparametric tests were used in analyses.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
39
The intervention consisted of a structured play therapy program specifically designed for children residing in institutional care settings. What distinguishes this intervention from others is its targeted focus on reducing learned helplessness and improving social comparison tendencies, two psychological constructs particularly relevant to children in residential care. The program was conducted over six weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 60 minutes, and implemented in a one-on-one format within a safe, quiet room in the child care facility. The content was developmentally appropriate and included modules on emotional expression, communication, realistic goal setting, resource awareness, problem-solving, and positive self-perception. The therapeutic techniques were based on principles of non-directive and humanistic play therapy, allowing children to express themselves freely while being guided through structured themes. Unlike general play therapy programs, this intervention
Aile Ve Sosyal Hizmetler Il Müdürlüğü
Muş, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye)
pretest (6-week play therapy before the intervention)
Primary Outcome Measure 1: Social Comparison Level (Social Comparison Scale) Description: Social Comparison Scale, range 12-60; higher scores = higher social comparison tendency. Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention, within 1 week before play therapy). Unit of Measure: Total score (12-60).
Time frame: Baseline (within 1 week before play therapy)
pretest (6-week play therapy before the intervention)
Primary Outcome Measure 2: Learned Helplessness Level (Learned Helplessness Scale) Description: Learned Helplessness Scale, range 0-20; higher scores = greater learned helplessness. Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention, within 1 week before play therapy). Unit of Measure: Total score (0-20).
Time frame: Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention, within 1 week before play therapy).
posttest (After the 6-week play therapy intervention)
Secondary Outcome Measure 1: Social Comparison Level Post-Intervention (Social Comparison Scale) Description: Social Comparison Scale, range 12-60; higher scores = higher social comparison tendency. Time Frame: Post-intervention (at 6 weeks after completion of play therapy). Unit of Measure: Total score (12-60).
Time frame: At 6 weeks (immediately after completion of play therapy).
posttest (After the 6-week play therapy intervention)
Secondary Outcome Measure 2: Learned Helplessness Level Post-Intervention (Learned Helplessness Scale) Description: Learned Helplessness Scale, range 0-20; higher scores = greater learned helplessness. Time Frame: Post-intervention (at 6 weeks after completion of play therapy). Unit of Measure: Total score (0-20).
Time frame: 6 weeks after baseline (post-intervention)
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