Play Therapy: Children Coping with Parental Divorce - Annotated Bibliography Example

 Play Therapy Techniques: Children Coping with Parental Divorce An average of two million children worldwide experience divorce from their parents annually. Rise in divorce awareness, reaction as well as its effects on children has seen an increase of studies by social scientist analyzing the effects of divorce on children. Several major studies have been carried out in the area, mainly emphasizing on the effects of divorce on children. According to a meta-analysis by Sweeney (2013), children from divorce families were shown to perform at a lower functional capacities with regards to psychological, emotional and even self-esteem as opposed to children who are from intact families. In addition, the study was able to note that age of children at the time of divorce played a significant role in the psychological motional and even social performance of the child. As noted by a study conducted by Ray and Bratton (2010), children from divorce families are shown to be less adjusted. Many children are taken through therapy to help them cope with family conflicts (Ray, 2011). Children feel overwhelmed and vulnerable when dealing with conflicting emotions. Children may also feel anxious towards therapeutic processes and may not want to communicate directly about the conflict issues. Activities that incorporate play-based actions may preoccupy children and aid them to freely express their ideas and emotions. Handling children from divorce environment have several important issues that need to be looked into. Some of the issues include developing effective communication skills, effective copping skills, management of emotions, addressing conflict or divorce related issues, eliminating self-blame for the conflict issues and even developing a positive attitude towards one’s self. The purpose of this study is to analyze play based therapeutic techniques for children in divorce environments. This study will also provide annotated bibliography of various studies with related information. Children who have been in divorce have varied emotional inclinations, and may often present different opinions towards divorce. Several games have been designed to help children overcome different situations. The Basketball game as imposed by Lowenstein (2006) has been worthwhile in helping children in effective communication of their emotions towards divorce as well as divorce misconceptions. Some of the games are inclusive of some of the most important issues that need to be addressed when handling divorce issues. For example, Basketball game cards have questions like What are the emotional feelings displayed by children from divorced or separated? Why do parents’ divorce? Why would children feel the guilt of their parents’ divorce? True or false: when parents get divorce they never get back together again True or false: children have to choose one side of the parent to love According to some scholars, play therapy programs are effective in managing psychological challenges facing children of divorce. Some studies have gone further to note that female children tend to respond better to play-based therapy as opposed to their male counterparts. In divorce cases, children at the latency age always have difficulties adjusting to their academic, behavior and feelings. On the contrary, children in the late elementary schools have been reported to have difficulties in adjusting too. According to Bratton, et al (2005), the study results indicated that divorce cases that are emotionally draining are always shown to have longer periods of rancor as well as conflicts among the parents. Thus it is important for the children to undergo counselling. It is also important for the children to understand that they are not the cause of conflicts among their parents. Helping children show out their emotions of anger as a result of divorce via suitable outlets is one important aspect of the management goal. In a game feeling angry play dough pounding lets the children play with dough by pounding on them to let out their emotions. Other components of the children playing the game involves the children letting talking out their emotions like ‘I am so sad about my parents getting a divorce because….’ and ‘I do not feel it is fair for…’ through the game, children are able to develop safe measures of letting out their anger. For example, don’t flip your lid anger management program enables children to effectively express their anger in a convenient manner. Scholars have opined to the opinion that children must be able to identify solutions to their problems brought about by divorce situations. History of child therapy for the management of various conditions like psychological, emotional and even behavioral problems dates back to the early 1900’s. Child therapy is believed to have emerged from Sigmund Freud’s management of Little Han’s. In this case, play was used as an important incorporation for the management of psychological as well as emotional difficulties facing children in the early 1900’s. In addition, Anna Freud and her colleague Melanie Klein incorporated more paly techniques in managing children therapeutic process in the 1900s. From the emergence of play-based therapy techniques for children, there are several new play-based models that have developed over the course of tine (Dillmanet al., 2011). There are three main theories that govern play therapy; psychoanalytic, humanistic and cognitive behavior(Webb, 1999). These are the manor theories that have been clearly documented in a number of literature studies as well as clinical management practices therapies. However, is s noted that the number of theoretical model have increased significantly over the decades. The theory of development play therapy is one that has become very common and influential in the current times. Albeit the number of specific approaches of play-based therapies have significantly become numerous in number. An analysis of psychoanalytic therapy leads us to Sigmund Freud who has often been referred to as the father of psychoanalysis as well as the grandfather of child therapy. From the early times of its modest inception, psychoanalytic play based therapy has been shown as one of the most important necessity in child growth (Gurman, &Kniskern, 2014). This play based child therapy is an extension of Sigmund Freud’s initial psychoanalysis coupled with Anna Freud’s work. Psychoanalysis involves activities that mainly deal with developments and association of the human mind. This mainly deals with human instincts, influences as well as influences from external environment. The theory has been useful to therapist, children social workers, teachers and even parents in the management of children’s behavior (Landreth, 2012). Annotated bibliography Baggerly, J. & Jenkins, W. (2009). The effectiveness of child-centered play therapy on developmental and diagnostic factors in children who are homeless. International Journal of Play Therapy, 18(1): 45-55. Purpose of the article: This article examines the various social, emotional, developmental, and behavioral changes encountered by homeless children. Research question and hypotheses: What is the relationship between economic pressure and family functioning? Is family resiliency, defined as family hardiness and utilization of positive socially supportive relationships positively related to family functioning? Does the hypothesized model applied in this study fit the observed data? Sample size and description: The research study is conducted on a sample of 36 homeless children in elementary school to determine how effective the child-centered play therapy is on the diagnostic and developmental factors. Conclusion: The study was in agreement with the previous studies that noted child based therapy may contribute to positive effects on the homeless children while also help in the development of the children outside classrooms. Implications: The findings show great improvement in one out of the three diagnostic and one out of the two profiles. There is evidence that homeless children had improved internalization of self-limiting and control features and demonstrated a positive response in unsupported environment. Bratton, S., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The efficacy of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36: 376–390. Purpose of the article: This article highlights on the wide use of play therapy as an intervention that is developmentally responsive, among children, although the intervention has often lacked sufficient research base support. Research question and hypotheses: There has been a long debate regarding psychological intervention efficacy among mental health professionals. Sample size and description: A meta-analysis constituted by 93 studies with controlled outcomes was done with the intention of assessing the general play therapy efficacy as well as the determining factors that affect its effectiveness. The overall effects of the treatment for play therapy had a standard deviation of 0.80.The analysis also showed that there were more positive effects for the humanistic than the non-humanistic treatments, and that the use of parents in the therapy had the greatest effects. Conclusion: Play therapy is important across age, sex and issues at hand. Implications: The study recorded an estimated play therapy interventions at0.8 standard deviation. In addition, the study noted that positive effects for humanistic activities as opposed to non-humanistic activities. Having parents involved in play therapy was more productive in the play therapy compared to when they were not involved. Brodley, B. T. (2006). Client-Initiated Homework in Client-Centered Therapy. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 16(2): 140-161. Purpose of the article: This article provides an explanation on how homework integration is done in client-centered therapy. Research question and hypotheses:What is the importance of the nondirective attitude? What is the therapeutic association progressions with segments of a typical session as described by Rogers? Conclusion: The study illustrates results from non-directive client centered therapeutic processes with regards to homework. When homework in client centered therapy occurs, the results is noted to be in line with the manner in which therapist offer and provide their services as well as consistency. Implications: It initially offers a summary of the theory in line with therapeutic conditions of Carl R. Rogers, and puts emphasis on the essence of non-directive attitudes. It also describes the Rogers' change theory on the basis of unconditional positive considerations, as well as illustrating the therapeutic process of interaction with the typical session segments done by Rogers. It also summarizes a small survey result of nondirective therapists that are client-centered concerning homework, and also provides several interactions between therapists and clients in relation to homework. The client-centered therapy homework occurs as an outcome of the initiative by the clients and is determined by the manner in which therapy protects and fosters self-determination and autonomy of the client. Glazer, H. & Stein, D. S. (2010). Qualitative research and its role in play therapy research. International Journal of Play Therapy, 19(1): 54-61. Purpose of the article: This article focuses on the value and role of qualitative research as applied in play therapy. Instruments used: Qualitative research is studied within the current context in relation to play therapy research. It also presents the characteristics of the qualitative research together with their linkage to therapeutic processes. Conclusion: The principle for this regards qualitative research as a natural practice of therapy processes, hence being instrumental in play therapy towards the development of theories and models that enable researches and developments in future. Implications: According to this article, qualitative research can be applied in building understanding of therapeutic processes, as well as the relationship in therapy in order to construct models for change and growth change theory in play therapy. Kirschenbaum, H. &Jourdan, A. (2005). The Current Status of Carl Rogers and the Person-Centered Approach. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 42(1): 37-51. Purpose of the article: The investigation of the work by Carl Rogers is an exploration of the current status of the person-centered or client-centered approach in the US andthe world at large. Instruments used: The status revelation first occurs in the analysis of the Rodger’s work prevalence and this is measured in numerous professional organization, journals, and institutes, dedicated to the client-centered approach Conclusion:The studiespresents outcomes of the recent researches, working alliances, common factors, as well as the therapeutic relationships, which are in line with the core conditions of unconditional positive regards, empathy, and congruence, as critical aspects for effectiveness in psychotherapy. Malone, P. S. et al. (2004). Divorce and Child Behavior Problems: Applying Latent Change Score Models to Life Event Data. Structural Equation Modeling, 11(3), p. 401-423 Purpose of the article: The article introduces new trajectory modeling advances in identifying the effects of divorce on the adjustment of children. Instruments used: Among the factors considered include the age of the child at the time of divorce and the gender of the child. Conclusion: The study result suggest that girls’ problem trajectory of externalizing behaviors were not compromised by the experience of parent divorce, whereas boys, especially those in elementary school at the time of divorce, demonstrated an increased problem of externalizing behaviors during the divorce year, and the increase was persistent in subsequent years. Implications: The article employs the model of latent change score in examination of trajectories of externalizing behavior problems, as related to the experience of the child with the parents’ divorce. Menassa, B. (2009). Theoretical Orientation and Play Therapy: Examining Therapist Role, Session Structure, and Therapeutic Objectives. Journal of Professional Counseling, 37(1), p. 12-26 Purpose of the article: The article presents a comparison of three key therapeutic dimensions together with their contrasts, and these include the session structure, therapists’ role, and therapeutic objectives, between the three different theoretical orientations. Research question and hypotheses: what are the structured/release play therapy? How effective are the child-centered play therapy, and Adlerian play therapy? Conclusion: The article discusses the differences, similarities and therapeutic implications of the three aspects, believing that the examination becomes grounded theoretically in the play therapy use, as well as challenging them to perform frequent reexamination of their beliefs concerning people and the ideal means of helping them. Muro, J., R et al. (2006). Quantitative analysis of long-term child-centered play therapy. International Journal of Play Therapy, 15: 35-58. Purpose of the article: The article presents an exploratory study used in measuring the impact of child-centered play therapy executed for a long time. Research question and hypotheses:What is the impact in child-centered play therapy in managing children with emotional and behavioral challenges? Sample size and description: The research study is done on 23 children, who are identified as having emotional and behavioral difficulties. Instruments used: the study used repeated measures design, the researchers provide an explanation of the child-centered play therapy from pre, mid, to post-intervention. Conclusion: The research findings suggest that children who took part in the complete cycle of the study had statistical improvement on general problem scale measured using the Teacher Report Form, ADHD Domain of the ITS, Total Stress Scale of the Index of Teaching Stress (ITS), as well as Student Characteristics of the ITS. Implications: Phillips, R. D. (2010). How Firm is Our Foundation? Current Play Therapy Research. International Journal of Play Therapy, 19(1):13-25. Purpose of the article: This article presents an examination of the research on play therapy, which is a development on the previous study, Phillips (1985). Conclusion: The conclusions drawn in the article are relative to the other findings of the recent past made from the meta-analysis of research on play therapy.Therefore, the author proposes different approaches by which improvement of research on play therapy can be done Implications: The author acknowledges the inadequacy of the current information regarding play therapy approach. The study presents comprehensive evidence on the effectiveness of play therapy in children undergoing medical procedures. However, other explanations on the similar data cannot be denied. Portnoy, S. (2008). The Psychology of Divorce: A Lawyer's Primer, Part 2: The Effects of Divorce on Children.American Journal of Family Law, 21(4): 126-134. Purpose of the article: The article presents the discussion that, following the numerous studies that have been carried out; it is evident that the impact of divorce on children is great in the US. Research question and hypotheses: What is the role of parents in helping children overcome emotions resulting due to divorce? Conclusion: This study concludes that parents need to define new rules as well as make predictions of expectations coupled with strict guidance and control. Parents should have boundaries Implications: Parents should be actively involved in helping children cope with emotional trauma that comes with divorce. The author presents statistics on divorce as well as providing more information on actual impacts of divorce on children. There is an effective use of astounding statistics in grabbing the attention of the audience and keeping them informed on the big issues raised. Ray, D, C., Blanco, P, J., & Holliman, R. (2009). An exploratory study of child-centered play therapy with aggressive children. International Journal of Play Therapy, 18(3): 62-175. Purpose of the article: This article gives a critical insight of the Child-centered play therapy (CCPT), as an intervention that gives the child the ideal environment for expression of aggression as well as enabling empathetic response by play therapist. Research question and hypotheses: Sample size and description: A research was conducted on 41 children of the elementary school age, all of whom took part in 14 CCPT sessions, showing a moderate decline in aggressiveness Conclusion: In this case, the results indicate that CCPT is important in management of children behavior. Implications: Children that have aggressive behavior problems generally attain a peak aggressiveness period during their early ages of development, and this shows that early intervention is needed to manage the aggressive behaviors.. Reddy, L.A., Files-Hall, T. M. & Schaefer, C. E. (2007). Announcing Empirically Based Play Interventions for Children, in “Counseling Children” by Thompson & Henderson, Chapter 1. London, UK Purpose of the article: The article presents two case studies demonstrating the use of quantitative and qualitative measures for comparing change in behavior in relation to the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) caregivers, as well as the play themes evident by the play therapists within six weeks. Instruments used: the study usedquantitative and qualitative procedurestolink behavioral variations as described by caregivers on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and play themes were involved and observed for a period of 6 weeks as observed by a therapist. Conclusion: For both cases, there is evidence of relationship between themes and behavior, since a change in themes within the six week period corresponded to the change in behavior over the same period. Implications: The study insinuate that play therapyshows effective impact and ought to be incorporated in the mental health training programs as widely as possible. Rhyne, J. (2001). The Gestalt Approach to Experience, Art, and Art Therapy. American Journal of Art Therapy, 40(1): 109. Purpose of the article: The study is a literature review that gives a comprehensive description of the gestalt approach to the general experience and within the art and art therapy. Research question and hypotheses:Is there need for the students and faculties to include art therapy in the traditional psychotherapy? Sample size and description: this is a literature review that examined 90 articles with related information. Conclusion: The study findings noted that most college students agree and respond well to art therapy. The study also noted that an open psycho-educational art group should be established in the school. Implications: The application of the gestalt art therapy, as highlighted in the article, is presented as greatly influential in managing emotional problems encountered by children from divorced families. The case studies and research-based evidence gives the article a rich background from which guidance can be obtained by different experts, including teachers and psychologists. Shen, Y. (2007). Developmental model using gestalt-play versus cognitive-verbal group with Chinese adolescents: Effects on strengths and adjustment enhancement. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 32(3): 285-305. Purpose of the article: The article presents a comparison of the short-term effectiveness of developmental group Gestalt-play approaches using Taiwanese adolescents. Based on emotional and behavioral strengths, teachers observed great changes in overall emotional and behavior strengths of the students as measured using total scores. Research question and hypotheses: what are the emotional experiences of children in orphanages? Sample size and description: participants in the study were 624 school children in an elementary school in their seventh grade. Instruments used: Children were closely monitored and reports from their teachers were analyzed. Children were put in different groups and allowed to use tools in the best way they deemed. Conclusion: The study demonstrated thatinternalized problems like depression, sadness and even anxiety are common among children in orphanages. Implications: The areas through which measurements were done through sub scores involved family involvement that greatly improved as a result of use of the Gestalt-play approach, and the affective strength that improved primarily due to the use of cognitive-verbal approach. References Baggerly, J. & Jenkins, W. (2009). The effectiveness of child-centered play therapy on developmental and diagnostic factors in children who are homeless. International Journal of Play Therapy, 18(1): 45-55. Bratton, S. C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The Efficacy of Play Therapy with Children: A Meta-Analytic Review of Treatment Outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(4), 376. Bratton, S., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The efficacy of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36: 376–390. Brodley, B. T. (2006). Client-Initiated Homework in Client-Centered Therapy. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 16(2): 140-161 Dillman Taylor, D., Purswell, K., Lindo, N., Jayne, K., & Fernando, D. (2011). The impact of child parent relationship therapy on child behavior and parent-child relationships: An examination of parental divorce. International Journal of Play Therapy, 20(3), 124. Glazer, H. & Stein, D. S. (2010). Qualitative research and its role in play therapy research. International Journal of Play Therapy, 19(1): 54-61. Gurman, A. S., &Kniskern, D. P. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of family therapy. Routledge. Kirschenbaum, H. &Jourdan, A. (2005). The Current Status of Carl Rogers and the Person-Centered Approach. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 42(1): 37-51. Landreth, G. L. (2009). Play Therapy in Elementary Schools. Psychology in the Schools, 46(3): 281-289. Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play therapy: The art of the relationship. Routledge. Malone, P. S. et al. (2004). Divorce and Child Behavior Problems: Applying Latent Change Score Models to Life Event Data. Structural Equation Modeling, 11(3), p. 401-423 Menassa, B. (2009). Theoretical Orientation and Play Therapy: Examining Therapist Role, Session Structure, and Therapeutic Objectives. Journal of Professional Counseling, 37(1), p. 12-26 Portnoy, S. (2008). The Psychology of Divorce: A Lawyer's Primer, Part 2: The Effects of Divorce on Children. American Journal of Family Law, 21(4): 126-134. Ray, D. (2011). Advanced play therapy: Essential conditions, knowledge, and skills for child practice. Taylor & Francis. Ray, D. C., & Bratton, S. C. (2010). What the research shows about play therapy: Twenty first century update. Child-centered play therapy research: The evidence base for effective practice, 3-33. Reddy, L.A., Files-Hall, T. M. & Schaefer, C. E. (2007). Announcing Empirically Based Play Interventions for Children, in “Counseling Children” by Thompson & Henderson, Chapter 1. London, UK Rhyne, J. (2001). The Gestalt Approach to Experience, Art, and Art Therapy. American Journal of Art Therapy, 40(1): 109. Shen, Y. (2007). Developmental model using gestalt-play versus cognitive-verbal group with Chinese adolescents: Effects on strengths and adjustment enhancement. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 32(3): 285-305. Sweeney, D. S. (2013). Legal and ethical issues in play therapy. Innovations in Play Therapy, 65. Webb, N. B. E. (1999). Play therapy with children in crisis: A casebook for practitioners. Guilford Press. Read More