Intensive child-centered play therapy with child witnesses of domestic violence.

Abstract

Examined the effectiveness of child-centered play therapy sessions every day for 2 wks as an intervention for child witnesses of domestic violence. 22 children (aged 4-10 yrs) participated. The analyses of covariance indicated that children in the experimental group experience a significant increase in self-concept, a significant decrease in external and total behavior problems, a significant increase in the play behavior of physical proximity to the therapist, and a significant increase in the play behavior of nurturing and creative play themes. The results support utilizing intensive play therapy to treat child witnesses of domestic violence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)