Analysis of initial sandplay characteristics among university students with different levels of loneliness.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Loneliness is detrimental to mental health, with university students at higher risk of feeling lonely than other population groups. The mental health of college students is a hot topic at present. Despite numerous studies exploring interventions for loneliness among university students. However, little research has explored early psychological manifestations of university students with different levels of loneliness. Despite numerous studies exploring interventions for loneliness among university students, little research has explored early psychological manifestations of university students with different levels of loneliness. Initial sandplay is a good tool to reveal psychological activity. Therefore, our study aims to explore the characteristics of initial sandplay application among university students with different levels of loneliness. METHODS: We recruited 60 volunteers from a university to perform a sandplay experiment from January to April 2021. The UCLA Loneliness Scale measured the levels of loneliness. These 60 participants were divided into the experimental group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) according to their levels of loneliness. The experimental group included participants with a scale score of more than 44. Other participants with a scale score of less than 44 belong to the control group. We recorded their sandplay artwork and statistically analyzed it by the Sandplay Process Record Form. Group comparisons were performed using the t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables, and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. The logistic regression analysis by forward stepwise method was conducted to analyze the sandplay theme features for loneliness. RESULTS: Regarding the sandplay tools, the experimental group used fewer transportation tools (t=-3.608, p < 0.01) and more natural elements (t = 2.176, p < 0.05) than the control group. Moreover, the experimental group created more natural scenes (χ2 = 4.310, p < 0.05) and used less of the lower left (χ2 = 4.593, p < 0.05) and lower right (χ2 = 5.934, p < 0.05) spaces. With regards to sand changes, the experimental group was less likely than the control group to make substantial changes (χ2 = 5.711, p < 0.05) and more likely to make almost no changes (χ2 = 4.022, p < 0.05). In terms of the themes, the experimental group was more likely to exhibit sandplay artwork themes of emptiness (χ2 = 8.864, p < 0.05) and neglect (χ2 = 6.667, p < 0.05), and less likely to show themes of energy (χ2 = 5.079, p < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis of the sandplay themes, emptiness (OR = 5.714, 95%CI: 1.724-18.944, p = 0.003) and neglect (OR = 7.000, 95%CI: 1.381-35.479, p = 0.010) were demonstrated a nominal association with high levels of loneliness among both groups (F = 16.091, p < 0.01, ΔR2 = 0.193), but failed to pass the Bonferroni testing correction (p threshold < 0.0025). CONCLUSION: University students with higher degree of loneliness do not like to drastic changes and prefer to use natural elements in element selection, while the control group likes to drastic changes and prefers to use transportation tools in element selection. Regression analysis of sandplay theme features revealed emptines and neglect may as significant associated factors for loneliness. We propose sandplay characteristics can help identify university students with different levels of loneliness during psychological evaluations. Therefore, it is important that the school and healthcare systems assist college students in identifying the loneliness through initial sandplay and carrying on the necessary psychological counseling to the lonely student population.

El tiempo de juego del niño se revela durante una sesión de juego dramático terapéutico / O tempo da brincadeira da criança revelado durante sessão de brinquedo terapêutico dramático / Child's playtime revealed during therapeutic dramatic play session

Introduction: playing, as an activity inherent to childhood, enables the child to acquire new knowledge about the world and to come across their own individuality expressing the world that is meaningful to him. The child's temporality composes his existence and drives him in the search for authentic existence. Objective: To describe the child's temporality during the stages of bonding and stopping playing in dramatic therapeutic play sessions. Method: phenomenological study in the light of the Heideggerian philosophical framework, with 12 children, aged between three and 11 years. For data collection, phenomenological interviews were conducted, mediated by the dramatic therapeutic toy. Results: the following thematic axis emerged: - The child's play time: being open. Conclusion: play reveals existential aspects of the child in chronological time and it fosters the sharing of new possibilities of relationship, in a free way, with the world. However, playing time might be elastic and negotiable according to individual need, so that all the expressions of the child becoming in their facticity during play would be considered. Therefore, regardless of the way and time they play, this study highlights the importance of respecting the child's existence at that moment.(AU)

Introducción: el juego, como actividad inherente a la infancia, permite al niño adquirir nuevos conocimientos sobre el mundo y encontrarse a sí mismo con su propia individualidad, expresando el mundo que le es significativo. La temporalidad del niño compone su existencia y lo impulsa en la búsqueda de la existencia auténtica. Objetivo: describir la temporalidad del niño durante las etapas de creación de vínculo y de cese del juego en sesiones de juego dramático terapéutico. Método: estudio fenomenológico a la luz del marco filosófico heideggeriano, con 12 niños, con edades entre tres y 11 años. Para la recolección de datos se realizaronentrevistas fenomenológicas, mediadas por juguetes dramáticos terapéuticos. Resultados: surgieron los siguientes ejes temáticos: El tiempo dejuego del niño: estar en apertura. Conclusión: el juego revela aspectos existenciales del niño en el tiempo cronológico y favorece compartir nuevas posibilidades de relación, libremente, con el mundo. Sin embargo, el tiempo dedicado al juego podría ser elástico y negociable según las necesidades individuales, de modo que todas las expresiones del devenir del niño en su facticidad durante el juego podrían ser consideradas. Por ello, independientemente de la forma y el momento en que jueguen, este estudio resalta la importancia de respetar la existencia del niño en ese momento.(AU)

Introdução: o brincar como atividade inerente à infância, possibilita quea criança adquira novos conhecimentos sobre o mundo e se depare com a própriaindividualidade, expressando o mundo que lhe seja significativo. A temporalidade da criança compõe seu existir e a impulsiona na busca pela existência autentica. Objetivo: descrever a temporalidade da criança durante as etapas criandovínculo e parando de brincar em sessões de brinquedo terapêutico dramático. Método: estudo fenomenológico à luz do referencial filosófico heideggeriano, com 12crianças, com idades entre três e 11 anos. Para a coleta de dados foram realizadasentrevistas fenomenológicas, mediadas pelo brinquedo terapêutico dramático.Resultados: emergiu o seguinte eixo temático: O tempo de brincar da criança:sendo em abertura. Conclusão: a brincadeira revela aspectos existenciais da criança no tempo cronológico e, favorece o compartilhar de novas possibilidades derelação, de modo livre, com o mundo. No entanto, o tempo que brinca pôde serelástico e negociável mediante a necessidade individual, para que fossem consideradas todas as expressões da criança vir a ser na sua facticidade durante a brincadeira. Portanto, independentemente do modo e do tempo que brinca este estudodestaca a importância de se respeitar a existência da criança nesse momento.(AU)

Effect of group sand play therapy on psychopathologies of adolescents with delinquent behaviors.

Prior research has established adolescent vulnerability to delinquent behavior. This single-arm, noninterventional, observational study investigated the effect of sand play therapy on the psychopathologies of adolescents with delinquent behavior. A total of 68 adolescents participated in the study. Participants were treated with 8 weekly sessions of sand play therapy, lasting 50 minutes each and conducted in groups of 3 to 4 members. The psychopathologies of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, impulsiveness, characteristics of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and impulsiveness were measured using self-reporting scales. Following therapy, depression (t = 3.28; P = .002; ES = 0.399) and anxiety (t = 4.00; P < .001; ES = 0.485) decreased significantly with moderate effect size. ADHD characteristics (t = 2.73; P = .008) and impulsiveness (t = 2.73; P = .009) also decreased significantly with effect size of 0.330 and 0.327, respectively. Self-esteem (t = -2.06, P = .043; ES = 0.251) was found to have significantly increased. The high-risk group within each psychopathology showed significantly higher improvement than the low-risk group. Results showed that group sand play therapy is effective in improving internalizing problems such as depression and anxiety, as well as externalizing problems of ADHD features and impulsiveness among adolescents with deviant behaviors.

Sandplay Therapy as a Complementary Treatment for Children with ADHD: A Scoping Review.

ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children's behavior, academic performance, and social interactions. This review aims to evaluate the existing evidence for Sandplay therapy, a nonverbal psychodynamic approach, as a complementary treatment for children with ADHD. Ten studies suggest Sandplay therapy improves ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention, through symbolic expression, play, and mindfulness. Despite its promise, ethical and practical considerations, including therapist training and treatment cost, must be addressed. Further research is needed to determine long-term effectiveness and optimal patient population for this treatment, which may benefit children unresponsive to or experiencing side effects from traditional treatments.

The effectiveness of play therapy in children with leukemia: A systematic review.

PROBLEM: Leukemia is the most common form of childhood cancer worldwide. Children living with leukemia experience various problems because of the disease's progression, harmful effects of treatment, and prolonged hospitalization process. To increase their well-being and alleviate their problems, these children require ongoing support. One solution that both parents and professionals can use is play therapy. This systematic review aimed to identify the type and effectiveness of play therapy in children living with leukemia. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We searched PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest databases. Additionally, we performed manual searches on Google Scholar, Google Web, and grey literature. Inclusion criteria comprised: 1) Studies that implemented play therapy on leukemia children, 2) Full-text articles available in English or Indonesian languages from January 2000 to December 2021 and updated until July 2023, and 3) Intervention studies employing quasi-experimental or randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs. SAMPLE: From 1099 articles, 16 studies were selected. Several forms of play therapy were found, including pretend, music, art, and sand play therapy. RESULTS: Of the sixteen studies in this systematic review, fifteen demonstrated beneficial effects on psychological issues, particularly anxiety, despair, stress, and physical problems (fatigue and pain). CONCLUSION: Play therapy effectively alleviates some physical and psychosocial problems in children living with leukemia. IMPLICATION: Nurses can utilize play therapy as an intervention for children living with leukemia. Additionally, comparative research is recommended with a similar research strategy concerning studies with the same design. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022318549.

Jungian Analysis of the Chinese Mythological Image of Sun Wukong.

This paper examines the symbolism of the cultural image Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), a Chinese legendary hero, and how it influenced an eight-year-old boy's psychic development. Through an analysis of Sun Wukong's life from his birth to attaining Buddhahood, a three-phase healing process is identified in Sun Wukong's tale and the psychotherapeutic process: "naming and initiating," "nurturing and taming," and "transforming and transcending," proposed by Dr. Heyong Shen. Sandplay visually highlighted these key clinical changes in conscious awareness and developmental behaviour influencing the boy's individuation process. Images found either in cultural traditions or spontaneously emerging from the unconscious in individuals are of significance in human life, offering pathways to psychic healing and development. Further, myths and cultural resources used in clinical work demonstrate that having cultural competency is invaluable in Jungian analysis. Pathogenic and health-maintenance factors of culture can be explored in future clinical practice and research.

Cet article étudie le symbolisme de l'image culturelle d'un héros légendaire chinois; Sun Wukong (le roi singe). L'article explore comment cette image a influencé le développement psychique d'un garçon de huit ans. À travers une analyse de la vie de Sun Wukong depuis sa naissance jusqu'à ce qu'il atteigne la bouddhéité, un processus de guérison en trois phases est identifié dans le conte de Sun Wukong et dans le processus psychothérapeutique, et proposé par le Dr Heyong Shen : « nommer et initier ¼, « apprivoiser et nourrir ¼ et « transformer et transcender ¼. La thérapie par le jeu de sable a ensuite mis en évidence visuellement ces changements cliniques clés dans la prise de conscience et le comportement développemental, qui ont influencé le processus d'individuation du garçon. Les images trouvées dans les traditions culturelles ou qui émergent spontanément de l'inconscient chez les individus sont importantes dans la vie des êtres humains : elles fournissent des voies de guérison et de développement psychiques. De plus, les mythes et les ressources culturelles utilisés dans le travail clinique montrent que la compétence culturelle est inestimable dans l'analyse jungienne. Les facteurs pathogènes et les facteurs de maintien de la santé - présents dans la culture - peuvent être explorés dans la pratique clinique et la recherche futures.

Este artículo explora el simbolismo de la imagen cultural de Sun Wukong (el Rey Mono), un héroe legendario chino, y cómo influyó en el desarrollo psíquico de un niño de ocho años. A través de un análisis de la vida de Sun Wukong desde su nacimiento hasta alcanzar la Budeidad, se identifica un proceso de curación en tres fases en el cuento de Sun Wukong y en el proceso psicoterapéutico: "nombrar e iniciar", "domar y nutrir" y "transformar y trascender", propuestos por el Dr. Heyong Shen. A continuación, el juego de arena puso de relieve visualmente estos cambios clínicos en la conciencia y en el desarrollo del comportamiento, influyendo en el proceso de individuación del niño. Las imágenes que se encuentran tanto en las tradiciones culturales, como las que que emergen espontáneamente del inconsciente de los individuos son importantes en la vida humana, ya que ofrecen vías para la curación psíquica y el desarrollo. Además, los mitos y los recursos culturales utilizados en el trabajo clínico demuestran que tener competencia cultural es inestimable en el análisis junguiano. Los factores patógenos y de mantenimiento de la salud de la cultura pueden explorarse en la práctica clínica y la investigación futuras.

Eye movement verification and evaluation of initial sandplay picture system for internet addiction symptoms in Chinese adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Sandplay therapy is a psychotherapeutic technique, based on the psychoanalytic theory of the unconscious. Nearly a century after it was developed, sandplay can now be applied for the initial diagnosis tools for sand players. The goal of the current research is to demonstrate the role of sandplay in identifying internet-addicted adolescents in China. The study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity for sandplay as a diagnosis and evaluation tool for internet addiction symptoms, and to verify the consistency that exists between results based on sandplay pictures and those based on the Pathological Internet Usage Scale for Adolescents (APIUS). METHODS: The research was conducted with a 2 × 2 mixed factorial design - two types of participants (addicts and non-addicts) and two types of sandplay pictures (pictures for addicts and pictures for non-addicts). An absolute recognition-judgment paradigm was used along with eye movement evaluations to evaluate the existing initial sandplay picture system for internet addiction symptoms (22 sandplay pictures, 11 related to addicts and 11 related to non-addicts, respectively). Sixty Chinese adolescents were selected as the participants (30 as addicts and 30 as non-addicts) according to the APIUS. RESULTS: (1) The initial sandplay pictures for internet addicts are clearly preferred by Chinese internet-addicted adolescents, which are more familiar and easier to process; (2) Such pictures have a higher level of emotional arousal and cognitive resonance for the addicts; (3) Track and heat maps indicate that young internet addicts mainly fixate on the initial sandplay pictures for internet addicts. CONCLUSION: This initial sandplay picture system can be used to screen and identify young Chinese internet addicts based on symptoms, and the evaluation results are consistent with those based on the APIUS.

Taking outside in, turning inside out: Exploring social dimensions and psychotherapeutic process in the play therapy of a young girl in foster care.

This paper, a collaborative effort, describes the work of A Home Within (AHW), a volunteer community-based organization providing pro-bono long term psychotherapy to current and former foster youth. We provide a brief description of the treatment model, present a report of treatment conducted by an AHW volunteer, and discuss further reflections on the societal context of our psychoanalytically-informed work. In-depth psychotherapeutic process from the treatment of a young girl in a pre-adoptive foster placement elucidates the psychotherapeutic possibilities when a psychoanalytic treatment model is accessible to current and former foster youth, usually deprived of this form of treatment due to overburdened, underfunded community mental health systems in the U.S. Open-ended psychotherapy afforded this traumatized child an unusual opportunity to work through past relational traumas in order to form new and more secure attachment relationships. We reflect further on the case from the vantage points of both the psychotherapeutic process and the greater societal context of this community-based program.

"Un barril sin fondo" / "A bottomless barrel" / "Un tonneau sans fond" / "Um barril sem fundo

Belcebú es la historia de un niño con las marcas de la violencia que se perpetúa transgeneracionalmente. Su nombre remite a marcas identitarias confusas y ambivalentes. Ser demonio o exorcista. Ser exceso o restricción. Ser de la abuela o de mamá. Ser un niño o (no ser) un robot. Ser un peso o un sostén. Es también la historia del juego elaborativo en pandemia y con modalidad virtual. Y,por último,es la historia del alcance del analista frente a un contexto de mucha vulnerabilidad AU

Belcebu is the story of a boy with the singsof violence that are perpetuated transgenerationally. His name refers to confusing and ambivalent identity marks. To be a demon or an exorcist. To be excess or restraint. To be from grandma or from mom. To be a child or (not to be) a robot. To be a burden or a support.It is also the story of elaborative play during a pandemic and with virtual modality.And finally, it is the story of the analyst's reach in the face of a context of great vulnerability AU

Belzébuth est l'histoire d'un enfant marqué par la violence qui se perpétue de manière transgénération nelle. Son nom fait référence à des marques d'identitéconfuses et ambivalentes. Être un démon ou un exorciste. Être un excès ou une restriction. Être de grand-mère ou de maman. Être un enfant ou (ne pas être) un robot. Être un poids ou un support.C'est aussi l'histoire du jeu élaboratif dans une pandémie et avec une modalité virtuelle.Et enfin, c'est l'histoire de la portée de l'analyste dans un contexte de grande vulnérabilité AU

Belzebu é ahistória de uma criança com as marcas da violência que se perpetua transgeracionalmente. Seu nome remete a marcas identitárias confusas e ambivalentes. Ser um demônio ou exorcista. Ser excesso ou restrição. Seja da avó ou da mãe. Ser criança ou (não ser) robô. Sendo um peso ou um suporte.É também a história do jogo elaborativo em plena pandemia e com modalidade virtual.E, finalmente, é a história do alcance do analista em um contexto de grande vulnerabilidade AU

Comentario acerca del caso Belcebú / Commentary on the Beelzebub case / Commentaire sur le cas clinique de Belzébuth / Comentário sobre o caso Belzebu

A partir de la presentación del caso clínico de un niño de 10 años llamado Belcebú, atendido durante la pandemia de forma virtual a lo largo de un año y cuatro meses, se realiza un comentario teórico-clínico puntualizando los aspectos vinculados a:los enunciados identificatorios; el niño en la estructura familiar y, como aspecto más relevante, el lugar del juego producido en las sesiones, el que sostenido por la mirada posibilitadora de la analista, le permitió alniño elaborar y rescribir marcas identitarias,en pos de una subjetivación menos tanática AU

Based on the presentation of the clinical case of a 10-year-old boy named Belcebú, treated virtually during the pandemic for a yearand four months, a theoretical-clinical comment is made, pointing out the aspects related to: the identifying statements; the child in the family structure and, as a most relevant aspect, the place of the play produced in the sessions, which, supported by the analyst's enabling gaze, allowed the child to elaborate and rewrite identity marks, in pursuit of a less thanatic subjectivation AU

Sur la base de la présentation du cas clinique d'un garçon de 10 ans nommé Belcebú, traité virtuellement pendant la pandémie durant un an et quatre mois, un commentaire théorico-clinique est fait, soulignant les aspects liés:aux énoncés identifiants; l'enfant dans la structure familiale et, comme aspect le plus pertinent, la place du jeu produit dans les séances, qui, soutenu par le regard habilitant de l'analyste, a permis à l'enfant d'élaborer et de réécrire des marques identitaires, à la poursuite d'une subjectivation moins thanatique AU

A partir da apresentação do caso clínico de um menino de 10 anos chamado Belcebú, tratado virtualmente durante a pandemia por um ano e quatro meses, é feito um comentário teórico-clínico, apontando os aspectos relacionados: a os depoimentos identificadores; a criança na estrutura familiar e, como aspecto mais relevante, o lugar da brincadeira produzida nas sessões, que, amparada pelo olhar capacitador do analista, permitiu à criança elaborar e reescrever marcas identitárias, em busca de uma subjetivação menos tanática AU

La interpretación del sueño y sus similitudes con el juego: una técnica para aplicar en un dispositivo clínico de Françoise Dolto / Les similitudes dans l'interpretation du reve et du jeu: une technique applicable dans un lieu d'accueil enfant-parent / Dream interpretation ant its similarities with the play: a method to apply ina Dolto's maison verte project / A interpretação do sonho e suas semelhanças com a brincadeira: uma técnica para aplicar em um dispositivo clínico de Françoise Dolto

¿Cómo nos puede ayudar el método de la interpretación de los sueños a entender los elementos arcaicos presentes en el juego del niño de 0 a 4 años, en un dispositivo clínico inspirado en la Maison Verte creada por Françoise Dolto? En este artículo describiremos las similitudes entre el sueño y el juego del niño, particularmente con respecto al trabajo del sueño. Propondremos que los mismos mecanismos del sueño están presentes en el juego del niño como parte de un contenido manifiesto. Enseguida propondremos que es posible interpretar el contenido latente del juego trasponiendo el método de la interpretación de los sueños gracias a la información aportada por los padres que acompañen al niño. Para explicar esta técnica, examinaremos el ejemplo de juego de unos niños, tomado de un Lugar de Acogida de Niños y Padres que se adhiere a los principios de la Maison Verte AU

Comment la méthode d'interprétation des rêves peut-elle nous aider à comprendre les éléments archaïques présents dans le jeu des enfants de 0 à 4 ans, dans un dispositif clinique inspiré de la Maison Verte créée par Françoise Dolto? Dans cet article, nousdécrirons les similitudes entre le rêve et le jeu de l'enfant, notamment en ce qui concerne le travail du rêve. Nous proposerons que les mêmes mécanismes oniriques sont présents dans le jeu de l'enfant dans le cadre d'un contenu manifeste. Ensuite, nous proposerons qu'il est possible d'interpréter le contenu latent de ce jeu en transposant la méthode d'interprétation des rêves grâce aux informations fournies par les parents accompagnan l'enfant. Pour expliquercette technique, nous examinerons un exemple de jeu d'enfants, tiré d'un Lieu d'Accueil pour Enfants et Parents qui adhère aux principes de la Maison Verte AU

How can the dream interpretation method help us to understand the archaic elements present in the play of children from 0 to 4 years old, in a clinical device inspired by the Maison Verte project created by Françoise Dolto? In this article we will describethe similarities between the child's dream and play, particularly regarding to dream-work. We will propose that the same dream mechanisms are present in the child's play as part of a manifest content. Then we will propose that it is possible to interpret the latent content of this play by transposing the dream interpretation method thanks to the information provided by the parents. To explain this technique, we will examine an example of children's play, taken from a Dolto's Maison Verte Project AU

Como o método da interpretação dos sonhos pode nos ajudar a compreender os elementos arcaicos presentes nas brincadeiras das crianças de 0 a 4 anos, em um dispositivo clínico inspirado na Maison Verte criada por Françoise Dolto? Neste artigo, descreveremos as semelhanças entre o sonho e a brincadeira da criança, principalmente no que diz respeito ao trabalho onírico. Proporemos que os mesmos mecanismos oníricos estão presentes na brincadeira da criança como parte de um conteúdo manifesto. Imediatamente propomos que é possível interpretar o conteúdo latente desta brincadeira transpondo o método de interpretação dos sonhos graças às informações fornecidas pelos pais. Para explicar est técnica examinaremos um exemplo de brincadeira infantil, retirado de um Local de Acolhimento para Crianças e Pais que segue os princípios da Maison Verte AU

Recensión: eficacia de un programa de entrenamiento de ajedrez para mejorar la cognición, el estado de ánimo y la calidad de vida en adultos mayores: un estudio piloto / Critical review: effectiveness of a chess-training program for improving cognition, mood, and quality of life in older adults: a pilot study

El estudio citado nos proporciona un acercamiento al uso del ajedrez para reducir el riesgo de desarrollar deterioro cognitivo y/o demencia. Se lleva a cabo un estudio piloto controlado, no aleatorizado, con evaluaciones antes y después de un programa de entrenamiento de ajedrez con 22 adultos mayores institucionalizados y semiinstitucionalizados. Se valoran los efectos de esta intervención sobre el estado cognitivo, estado de ánimo y calidad de vida. Se obtienen mejoras significativas en el estado cognitivo y en la percepción de la calidad de vida de los/as participantes.(AU)

This study presents an approach to the use of chess to reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment and/or dementia. A pilot controlled, non-randomised study was conducted with evaluations before and after a chess training programme with 22 older adults who were institutionalised and semi-institutionalised. The study aimed to assess the effects of this intervention on participants' cognitive status, mood, and quality of life. Significant improvements are obtained in the cognitive state and in the perception of the quality of life of the participants.(AU)

Effects of school sandplay group therapy on children victims of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying among children is increasing every year, leading to serious public health problems. Victims suffer serious aftereffects such as depression and suicidal ideation; therefore, early and appropriate psychological intervention and the role of schools are emphasized. This study investigated the effects of school sandplay group therapy (SSGT) on children affected by cyberbullying. This study was designed as a parallel-group non-randomized controlled trial. The study subjects were 139 elementary school students (mean age 11.35 years; standard deviation, 0.479; age range 12-13 years) residing in Cheonan City, Korea, who were assigned to the intervention and comparison groups. The intervention group received 10 sessions of therapy on a weekly basis, for 40 minutes per session. No therapy was administered in the control group. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed using the Children Depression Inventory, Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire-Junior, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The assessment for the comparison group was performed concurrently with that of the intervention group. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. In this study, the SSGT group showed a significant decrease in depression and suicidal ideation compared to the control group after sandplay group therapy (SGT), and a significant increase in self-esteem. It was confirmed that SSGT can mitigate the negative consequences of cyberbullying and strengthen protective factors. This suggests that the SSGT can be successfully used for crisis counseling.

Effects of Parent-Child Sandplay Therapy for preschool children with autism spectrum disorder and their mothers: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the Parent-Child Sandplay Therapy (PCST) Program on autism behaviors, social responsiveness and sleep quality among preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and their mothers' parenting stress. DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled, parallel-group trial was employed. Fifty-two child-mother dyads were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 26) or a control group (n = 26) from February 2017 to February 2019. The intervention group was treated with a 20-week PCST Program plus an Applied Behavior Analysis-based program (ABA-based program), whereas the control group received only the ABA-based program. Outcome measures included the Autism Behavior Checklist total scores, Social Responsiveness Scale scores, Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire scores, and Parenting Stress Index-Short Form scores, measured at baseline, post-intervention (20 weeks after baseline) and follow-up assessments (32 weeks after baseline). RESULTS: Finally, 43 dyads completed the study. The linear mixed model analysis resulted in a significant group*time interaction effect of ABC score (Est = 2.027, t = 3.277; p < 0.01), SRS score (Est = 3.377, t = 6.095; p < 0.01), PSI-SF score (Est = 3.873, t = 4.253, p < 0.01), and CSHQ score (Est = 3.158, t = 6.485; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that the PCST Program could potentially improve social interaction and sleep quality of preschool children with ASD while decreasing parenting stress. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The PCST Program was found to be a feasible and a promising treatment for children with mild-to-moderate ASD as well as for their parents. It was a nurse-led program, which could be integrated into the usual nursing care of children with autism spectrum disorder in special education schools. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry, ChiCTR2100047699.

Effectiveness of web-based play therapy intervention in supporting the development of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

The high prevalence of children with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Indonesia has become a concern for nursing because ADHD might emerge as neurological developmental problems if not treated early through appropriate intervention. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of web-based play therapy on the emotional, behavioural and social development of school-age children with ADHD. This study employs a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design with purposive sampling technique, and 126 children with ADHD (patients at a psychiatric hospital in Indonesia) as participants. The results show that play therapy is an effective intervention for the emotional, behavioural and social development of school-age children with ADHD (p = 0.048, p = 0.030, p = 0.030; α= 0.05). This study is recommended as a reference for optimising nursing care for children with ADHD using information technology in the form of web-based play therapy designed in line with the fundamentals of intervention for children with ADHD, using attractive features and flexible access.

The effectiveness of child-centered play therapy for executive functions in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is a practical and recommended non-medication intervention for children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but the mechanism in between is unclear. AIM: This study proposed to examine the effectiveness of CCPT on neuropsychological deficits and behavioral symptoms in ADHD. METHODS: Participants with ADHD diagnosis were referred from senior child and adolescent psychiatrists, and typical developmental children (TD) were recruited from community as a control group. All participants' executive functions were evaluated using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. First of all, the participants were evaluated using Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) by their parents. The ADHD participants were assigned into CCPT (ADHDc) and waitlist (ADHDw) group; and the ADHDc group then received CCPT weekly for 12 sessions, while the ADHDw continuously received their regular treatment (i.e., medication treatment or other alternative treatments) as usual. RESULTS: Total 52 participants were recruited (17 with ADHD and 35 typically developed children, TD). The results showed that overall the ADHD groups had worse neuropsychological performance and more behavioural disturbance than did the TD (ps < .05). After receiving the CCPT, the results showed that the ADHDc group had significant improvement in the cognitive flexibility (p < .05); while the ADHDw group had no changes.

What works? Lessons from a pretrial qualitative study to inform a multi-component intervention for refugees and asylum seekers: Learning Through Play and EMDR Group Traumatic Episode Protocol.

Almost half of the trials failed to recruit their targeted sample size of which 89% could be preventable. Successful implementation of mental health trials in a context of forcibly displaced individuals can be even more challenging. Mental health difficulties have the potential to impact parenting skills, which are linked to poor development in children, while parenting interventions can improve parents' mental health and parenting behaviors. However, the evidence on parenting interventions for refugees is limited. A parenting intervention, Learning Through Play Plus Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Group Treatment Protocol, has been designed to address parental mental health. This pretrial qualitative study, conducted with refugees, asylum seekers and professionals, aimed to explore their perceptions of the intervention and to identify barriers and recommendations for better engagement, recruitment, and delivery. Three themes were generated from thematic analysis: the content of the intervention, suggestions for improvement and implementation, and understanding the role of the facilitator. These themes provided insights into the issues that might predict the barriers for delivery of the intervention and offered several changes, including destigmatization strategies to improve engagement.

Children's Play-Work Occupation Continuum: Play-Based Occupational Therapy, Play Therapy and Playwork.

Introduction: Occupational therapists often use play-based approaches to facilitate children's occupational development and promote participation, for example, play-based occupational therapy, play therapy and playwork. However, where does play occupation fit, within these adult-guided play-based approaches in occupational therapy? Purpose: To examine and discuss the play-work occupation continuum of children to inform occupational therapy practice. Key Issues: Children's play occupations are free-selected, unstructured, internally-controlled, spontaneous and intrinsically-motivated. Yet, occupational therapists often utilize play as a therapeutic modality to support occupational development for occupations other than play. This use of play represents play-based work occupations as they are structured, externally-controlled, adult-guided, goal-focused and extrinsically-motivated. Play occupations then move from being authentic free-play to adult-guided play-based work occupations for children. Implications: When working with children and families, occupational therapists need to balance the use of self-selected, unstructured play occupations with the application of adult-guided, structured, goal-focused play-based work occupations.

An Uncontrolled Case Study of a Tabletop Role-playing Therapy Group With Difficult-to-engage Patients.

Mental health organizations are increasingly adapting tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) into psychotherapy groups. Existing literature on therapeutic modalities with similar methods and theories of change suggest TTRPGs holds great promise in creating positive change for certain mental health populations, particularly those that have not responded well to traditional psychotherapy formats. At this time, no published, peer-reviewed research has examined TTRPG therapy groups offered to adults. Here we describe the application of one 8-week TTRPG therapy group with seven adults at a forensic facility. In this case study, we also describe the data we gathered and our findings regarding the feasibility, acceptability, and potential benefits of participating in this TTRPG. Our findings provide preliminary support of the feasibility and acceptability of this approach, and offer new directions on how to maximize benefits to group members. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Expectativas de mães e cuidadoras sobre participação em um programa de prevenção à violência / Expectations of mothers/caregivers regarding the participation in a violence prevention program / Expectativas de madres/cuidadoras sobre la participación en un programa de prevención de la violencia

O presente estudo qualitativo objetivou compreender as expectativas de mães e cuidadoras sobre a sua participação no Programa ACT para Educar Crianças em Ambientes Seguros na versão remota, no período da pandemia de covid-19. Também visou identificar a percepção das participantes sobre educar uma criança em um ambiente seguro. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas on-line com doze mães e cuidadoras, antes da participação no Programa ACT. Os resultados indicaram diferentes expectativas sobre a participação no Programa ACT, entre elas: adquirir novos conhecimentos, aprimorar as habilidades parentais, trocar experiências, receber auxílio no momento da pandemia de covid-19 e possibilitar para a criança um desenvolvimento saudável. Na percepção das mães e cuidadoras, a versão remota do Programa ACT apresenta aspectos positivos; entre eles, a participação de pais e cuidadores que não residem na cidade em que é oferecida a intervenção. No entanto, apontaram como fatores negativos a ausência do contato físico e as interrupções que podem acontecer a partir das falhas de internet. Para as mães e cuidadoras, educar a criança em um ambiente seguro estava relacionado a promover os direitos estabelecidos no Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (ECA), como educação, saúde, lazer, cuidado, afeto, assim como protegê-la de situações de violência. Considera-se que as expectativas das participantes estavam alinhadas aos objetivos do Programa ACT. Torna-se prioritário oferecer programas de prevenção à violência aos pais e cuidadores, em especial em momentos adversos como o da pandemia de covid-19, a fim de promover o desenvolvimento e a saúde das crianças, assim como prevenir situações de violação de direitos.(AU)

This qualitative study aims to understand the expectations of mothers and caregivers about participating in the ACT Raising Safe Kids Program in its remote version, during the COVID-19 pandemic period. It also aims to identify the participants' perception of raising a child in a safe environment. Semi-structured on-line interviews were conducted with 12 mothers/caregivers, prior to participation in the ACT Program. The results indicated different expectations regarding the participation in the ACT Program, for example: acquiring new knowledge, improving parenting skills, exchanging experiences, receiving support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and enabling the child to have a healthy development. In the perception of mothers and caregivers, the remote version of the ACT Program has positive aspects, such as the participation of parents and caregivers who do not live in the city where the intervention is offered. However, they pointed out as negative factors absence of physical contact and interruptions due to internet failures. For the mothers/caregivers, educating children in a safe environment was related to promoting the rights established by the Brazilian Child and Adolescent Statute, namely education, health, leisure, care, affection, as well as protecting them from situations of violence. The expectations of the participants were aligned with the objectives of the ACT Program. Offering violence prevention programs to parents and caregivers is a priority, especially in adverse moments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to promote the development and health of children, as well as prevent situations of violation of rights.(AU)

Este estudio cualitativo pretendió comprender las expectativas de madres y cuidadoras sobre la participación en el Programa de ACT para Educar a Niños en Ambientes Seguros en la versión remota, en el periodo de la pandemia de la COVID-19. También se propuso identificar la percepción de las participantes sobre educar a un niño en un ambiente seguro. Se llevaron a cabo entrevistas semiestructuradas en línea con 12 madres/cuidadoras, antes de la participación en el Programa ACT. Los resultados señalaron diferentes expectativas con la participación del Programa de ACT, entre ellas: adquirir nuevos conocimientos, perfeccionar las habilidades parentales, intercambiar experiencias, recibir auxilio en el momento de la pandemia de la COVID-19 y posibilitar al niño un desarrollo saludable. En la percepción de las madres y cuidadoras, la versión remota del Programa de ACT presenta aspectos positivos, como la participación de padres y cuidadores que no residen en la ciudad donde es ofrecida la intervención. Sin embargo, señalaron como factores negativos la ausencia del contacto físico y las interrupciones, que pueden ocurrir por fallas en Internet. Para las madres/cuidadoras, educar al niño en un ambiente seguro estaba relacionado a promover los derechos establecidos en el Estatuto del Niño y del Adolescente de Brasil, como educación, salud, ocio, cuidado, afecto, así como protegerlo de situaciones de violencia. Se considera que las expectativas de las participantes estaban alineadas con los objetivos del Programa de ACT. Es prioritario ofrecer programas de prevención a la violencia a los padres y cuidadores, en especial en momentos adversos como el de la pandemia de la COVID-19, con el fin de promover el desarrollo y la salud de los niños, así como prevenir situaciones de vulneración de derechos.(AU)