Intensive group play therapy with child witnesses of domestic violence.

Describes the effectiveness of intensive sibling group play therapy with child witnesses of domestic violence in improving self-concept, reducing internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, and reducing overall behavior problems. A second objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of intensive sibling group play therapy and intensive individual play therapy on the dimensions identified above. 10 children (aged 4–9 yrs) participated in the experimental group and 11 children (aged 4–10 yrs) served as controls. An analysis of covariance revealed children in the experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in total behavior problems, externalizing and internalizing behavior problems, aggression, anxiety, and depression, and a significant improvement in self- esteem. Intensive sibling group play therapy was found equally effective as intensive individual play therapy with child witnesses of domestic violence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Intensive filial therapy with child witnesses of domestic violence: A comparison with individual and sibling group play therapy.

The rationale for utilizing filial therapy as a treatment intervention with child witnesses of domestic violence while residing with their mothers in a shelter facility is explored and the effectiveness of an intensive 12-session filial therapy parent training group, conducted within 2-3 weeks, is described (n=11; aged 4-10 yrs). Results of analysis of covariance revealed that child witnesses in the experimental group significantly reduced behavior problems prevalent in child witnesses and significantly increased their self-concept as compared to child witnesses in the non-treatment comparison group. In addition, t-test results showed that mothers who facilitated treatment of the experimental group scored significantly higher after training on both their attitudes of acceptance and their empathic behavior. Comparative analysis revealed that intensive filial therapy as facilitated by the children's mothers was as effective in reducing behavior problems as was intensive individual play therapy and intensive sibling group play therapy as facilitated by professionally trained therapists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Quantitative analysis of long-term child-centered play therapy.

This exploratory study measured the impact of long-term Child- Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) with 23 children identified by teachers as exhibiting behavioral and emotional difficulties. Through the use of a repeated measures design, researchers examined the use of CCPT from pre-intervention to mid-intervention (16 sessions) to post intervention (32 sessions). Results indicated that children who participated in 32 sessions of CCPT demonstrated statistically significant improvement on the Total Problems Scale as measured on the Teacher Report Form, Total Stress Scale of the Index of Teaching Stress (ITS), ADHD Domain of the ITS, and Student Characteristics of the ITS. Researchers reported improvement to be statistically steady over the full duration of therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An exploratory study of child-centered play therapy with aggressive children.

Children exhibiting aggressive problem behaviors typically reach a peak of aggressive acts at an early age, providing evidence that early intervention for aggression is needed. Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is 1 intervention that offers the child an environment in which aggression can be expressed and empathically responded to by a play therapist. Forty-one elementary school age children were assigned to a CCPT condition or a wait-list control group condition. Children who participated in 14 sessions of CCPT showed a moderate decrease in aggressive behaviors over children in the control group, according to effect sizes as reported by parents (N = 32). Teachers reported that both groups significantly improved over time (N = 41). Post hoc analysis revealed that children assigned to CCPT decreased aggressive behaviors statistically significantly and children assigned to control group demonstrated no statistically significant difference. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evaluating the impact of child-centered play therapy training.

The researchers designed this study to determine the effects of a comprehensive child-centered play therapy training course for beginning play therapy graduate students in (1) improving positive attitudes and beliefs toward children, (2) improving play therapy knowledge, (3) improving confidence in applying play therapy skills, (4) reducing dominance tendencies in trainees, and (5) reducing intellectual efficiency in trainees. Results of the analyses of covariance reveal that students in the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in their positive attitudes and beliefs toward children, play therapy knowledge, confidence in applying play therapy skills and a significant reduction in their dominance tendency and intellectual efficiency. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

For Children's Sake: Training students in the treatment of child witnesses of domestic violence.

The authors describe For Children's Sake, an innovative program at Illinois State University focused on serving children who have witnessed domestic violence and on training graduate students in working with this special population. Unique aspects of the program including its funding source, child maltreatment focus, and training model in complete program delivery, are highlighted. Additionally, a multilevel integration of the For Children's Sake program into the School Psychology doctoral program is discussed. Challenges, dilemmas, and successes that faculty and graduate students involved with For Children's Sake have experienced are mentioned to assist and encourage trainers in developing other innovative programs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Repetitive symbolic play as a therapeutic process in child-centered play therapy.

Child-centered play therapy describes the therapeutic relationship between the child and play therapist as a facilitative environment that provides the child with an experience of congruence within their sense of self, promoting self-directed healing. Within this environment, the child is able to confront emotional pain imbedded in lived, relational experiences, processing and gaining mastery over it through repetitive symbolic play. However, very little research exists regarding repetitive symbolic play as a therapeutic process. This article aims to illustrate, through the use of a qualitative, interpretative case study and hermeneutic enquiry, how a 6-year-old boy's use of repetitive symbolic play assisted him toward healthier adjustment in his home and school environments. Hermeneutic analysis suggests that the child's use of repetitive symbolic play became a therapeutic process in and of itself that contributed toward self-directed change within his sense of self, which promoted healthier adjustment within his environment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Short-term child-centered play therapy training with Israeli school counselors and teachers.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of short-term intensive child-centered play therapy training with school counselors and teachers in Israel. Results of the analysis of covariance revealed that trainees in the experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the group’s play therapy knowledge as measured by the Play Therapy Attitude, Knowledge and Skills Survey. The experiential group did not demonstrate statistically significant improvement in their attitudes and beliefs toward children or confidence in applying play therapy skills. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Child witnesses to domestic violence: A meta-analytic review.

This meta-analysis examined 118 studies of the psychosocial outcomes of children exposed to interparental violence. Correlational studies showed a significant association between exposure and child problems (d? = -0.29). Group comparison studies showed that witnesses had significantly worse outcomes relative to nonwitnesses (d? = -0.40) and children from verbally aggressive homes (d? = -0.28), but witnesses' outcomes were not significantly different from those of physically abused children (d? = 0.15) or physically abused witnesses (d? = 0.13). Several methodological variables moderated these results. Similar effects were found across a range of outcomes, with slight evidence for greater risk among preschoolers. Recommendations for future research are made, taking into account practical and theoretical issues in this area. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Monitoring two boys' processes through the stages of child-centered play therapy.

This article describes two boys' actions in child-centered play therapy (CCPT) through the lens of the typical stages in CCPT as described by Nordling and Guerney (1999). Both boys were referred for severe attention and aggression problems that had persisted for more than one school year at age six. While each boy engaged in CCPT in unique ways, the authors were able to clearly discern the stages in each boy's play. The authors assert for the value of play therapists' ability to discern stages in children's therapeutic play to monitor progress and determine readiness to end from an internal to the child gauge, as well as through the external gauges of behavior change reports from parents and teachers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Limits and relationship in child-centered play therapy: Two case studies.

This article presents case studies exploring two boys' uses of limit testing as a therapeutic tool in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Both boys were referred for behavior that was abnormally disruptive for their age and setting, which was kindergarten in an elementary school that serves a very high poverty community and is accustomed to handling misbehavior. Data evidencing progress is provided as a reference point, while analysis is focused on conceptualization and mechanisms of change related to each child's use of limit testing in CCPT. The authors suggest that each boy used limit testing in CCPT to try out the therapeutic relationship as a stand-in for other relationships, to rethink relational expectations inside and outside of therapy, revisit unmet needs and meanings of early experiences, and change self-concept in ways that affected positive behavioral change. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Two case studies of child-centered play therapy for children referred with highly disruptive behavior.

This article presents two cases with strong evidence measures in which child-centered play therapy (CCPT) was provided for children referred for highly disruptive behavior, including attention problems and aggression. Apparent progress was evidenced on the Teacher Report Form (TRF) of the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001). One client had a waiting period equal to his treatment period in which ratings were stable before change across his treatment period. The cases provide opportunities to consider how CCPT may work differently for similar behavioral difficulties in individual children. Researchers conceptualized each client's areas of difficulty and apparent treatment effects as an expert panel, aided by indications from the TRF. Individual discussions are provided regarding rationales for apparent progress and why CCPT seemed to have been effective. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychodynamic play therapy with a high-functioning autistic child.

The increasingly dominant and sound view of autism as a developmental disorder has led to adoption of highly structured behavioral interventions and abandonment of psychoanalytic approaches. This article intends to reaffirm the relevance of traditional psychodynamic play therapy to the milder variants of the autistic syndrome. The therapy process with one high-functioning autistic child is examined and discussed in the context of autistic pathology and psychodynamic theory. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The effectiveness of child-centered play therapy on developmental and diagnostic factors in children who are homeless.

Children who are homeless have numerous emotional, social, behavioral, and developmental challenges. This pilot research study examined the effectiveness of child-centered play therapy on developmental and diagnostic factors in 36 elementary schoolchildren who are homeless. Results indicate statistically significant improvement in 1 of 2 developmental strands and 1 of 3 diagnostic profiles as measured by the Boxall Profile. Specifically, children who are homeless improved in internalization of controls and self-limiting features and showed positive trends in unsupported development. Effect sizes ranged from small to medium. The findings are congruent with previous research that indicates that child-centered play therapy may have a positive impact on children who are homeless and on children's development within the classroom. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Promoting changes in attitudes and understanding of conflict resolution among child witnesses of family violence.

Children in shelters for battered women are at an increased risk of adjustment problems due to their family circumstances. Early intervention procedures that hold promise for promoting the child's recovery following family violence and disruption are discussed, with particular emphasis on methods that are sensitive to the child's developmental level and needs. It is argued that early intervention should focus on children's attitudes about aggression and family behavior as well as skills for resolving interpersonal problems. A study in which 10 weekly group-counseling sessions were held with 18 8–13 yr olds who were recent residents of shelters for battered women found that there was an attitude change concerning violence in most Ss after the sessions. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reenvisioning Jungian analytical play therapy with child sexual assault survivors.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive, traumatic event (A. H. Heflin & E. Deblinger, 2007) affecting hundreds of thousands of ethnically and socioeconomically diverse children and families across the United States (F. W. Putnam, 2003). E. Gil (2006) and J. S. Shelby and E. D. Felix (2006) have noted that integrative therapies--those that combine directive and nondirective strategies--possess the capacity to benefit a child traumatized by sexual assault. Jungian analytical play therapy (JAPT) is a creative, integrative therapy that may be beneficial when applied to children affected by CSA (J. Allan, 1988). Within the safety of a nonjudgmental, therapeutic relationship, children affected by CSA may become consciously aware of and subsequently resolve conflicting emotions associated with sexual assault in symbolic, less-threatening ways. Through participation in JAPT, the child's psyche may begin the therapeutic process of integrating inner and outer emotional polarities in an archetypal quest for self-healing after sexual trauma (E. Green, 2005). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Intensive child parent relationship therapy with Israeli parents in Israel.

This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of an intensive child parent relationship therapy (CPRT)—filial therapy training (G. L. Landreth & S. Bratton, 2006)—as a method of intervention for Israeli parents in Israel, families who are experiencing prolonged stress and trauma since Israel's creation. Results of the multivariate analysis of covariance revealed that the Israeli parents in the experimental group (14 parents) significantly increased their level of empathic interactions with their children and their attitude of acceptance toward their children and significantly reduced their level of stress related to parenting as compared with parents in the nontreatment comparison group (13 parents). This study supports the use of CPRT for promoting the child–parent relationship in Israeli parents living in Israel. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Using feminist MRI brief therapy during initial contact with victims of domestic violence.

This article seeks to provide an alternative approach to traditional point-of-contact crisis services for victims of domestic violence. This approach, based on a feminist Mental Research Institute brief therapy model, takes into account the many forces arrayed against battered women that influence their decisions about staying or leaving their batterers. Many service organizations provide services targeted to the woman who leaves, not the woman who stays. Thus, this approach provides a model with which to fit the services to each woman, not the woman to the services. In addition, by honoring and acknowledging the many forces that keep women from leaving, service providers may reduce their rates of burnout by redefining the meaning of successful intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The complexities of domestic violence.

Comments on the article by Robert Bornstein, "The complex relationship between dependency and domestic violence: Converging psychological factors and social forces," (see record 2006-11202-003). Although a more focused examination of the psychological factors involved in domestic violence is welcome, there are some factual errors in Bornstein's article that need attention and represent a general problem in reports of domestic violence. Bornstein wrote, "Studies indicate that more than 95% of abuse perpetrators are men" (p. 595) and then proceeded to assess dependency in male perpetrators and female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). The study indicating that more than 95% of IPV perpetrators are men was not cited and is, in fact, fictitious. The best empirical evidence indicates an entirely different finding. Clinical predictions of dangerousness made in psychiatric emergency rooms often underestimate female dangerousness. Risk of harm to children has often been based on wife abuse-child abuse incidence co-occurrence estimates from shelter house samples of women and erroneously generalized to community samples. For these reasons, regeneration of the gender paradigm by Bornstein, or others, serves to misinform the profession. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)