Introduction Minimal research has been conducted examining the relationship of positive psychology variables with quality of life (QOL) for individuals with bleeding disorders. While many individuals manage their bleeding disorders well, some are at higher risk of developing psychosocial complications due to the daily stressors of managing illness‐related symptoms. Aim The purpose of this study is to better understand the relationships between two positive psychology variables, self‐compassion and hope and QOL (overall, psychosocial and physical) among individuals diagnosed with bleeding disorders. Methods Participants completed a survey identifying demographic information as well as rating scales of self‐compassion, hope and quality of life. We conducted Pearson correlational and standard multiple regression analyses to explore the bivariate and linear relationships between the aforementioned variables in a sample of 86 patients with bleeding disorders between the ages of 15 and 65. Results Self‐compassion and hope were significantly related to QOL. Together, self‐compassion and hope were predictive of overall QOL, psychosocial QOL and physical QOL. However, hope was the only individual predictor of all three QOL dimensions. Conclusion Due to the significant relationships found between self‐compassion, hope and QOL in this sample, it may be beneficial to incorporate positive psychology factors into the treatment of those diagnosed with bleeding disorders, especially those at higher risk for decreased QOL.

Gendered language and toy preference and use were analyzed in an observational research study with over 400 minutes of play therapy sessions with 24 adult and 22 child participants. Observations were focused around what type of toys were most selected by male compared to female children. In addition, observation research was used to determine what toys are identified as female, male, or gender neutral by both adults and children. Female children played with more toys overall and with a greater variety of toys than the male child participants. Male children chose to play with a far greater percentage of masculine toys than did female children. Across the 4 participant groups, male child, female child, male adult, and female adult, all 4 groups labeled toys as male most frequently. In addition, both the male and female children labeled toys associated with acting out or aggression as predominantly male. These findings were in keeping with expectations around learned gender stereotypes found in numerous other studies.

Recently a 6-week reality play therapy (RePT) model was developed for use with clients ages 7-14. RePT utilizes directive activities by integrating play and reality therapy techniques. In this study, we provided a 2-hr training on the RePT model with 24 participants in the mental health profession. At the end of the training, participants shared their perceptions of the RePT model, rated their confidence in utilizing activities from RePT, and rated the likelihood that they would utilize these interventions with child and young adolescent clients. Overall, participants reported confidence in utilizing most aspects of the RePT model and were more likely to implement the RePT activities that they felt most confident about after the training. Based on participants' feedback, suggestions for revising and expanding the RePT model are provided, along with suggestions for future research with the RePT model.