Change during Psychotherapy through Sand Play Tray in Children That Have Been Sexually Abused

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a qualitative study on the use of sandplay, or sand tray therapy, in the psychotherapeutic process of children who have been sexually abused. A longitudinal study was carried out with seven participants between the ages of 7 and 10 years old. Data was produced during observation of the therapeutic activity over the course of three different phases of treatment, using a rubric created especially for this observation. Three sandplay sessions were recorded: one at the start of therapy, one at the 3-month mark, and the third and final session after 6 months of treatment. Sessions were then transcribed for later analysis. A rubric was developed in order to help researchers identify central themes, behaviors and content of creative play, as well as the therapeutic relationship. Transcribed sessions and observation rubrics were evaluated using qualitative content analysis, and information was categorized according to verbal and behavioral characteristics of the game. Results of the present study reveal common and transversal forms of playful expression among this group of children shown by their engagement with sandplay. During this activity, participants elaborate personal stories that feature violence as a central theme, often involving aggression between two or more individuals. They also express their need for care and protection and work to resolve conflicts using fantasy. The shifting dynamics of sandplay at each stage of therapeutic treatment is an important finding that reveals the progress made during psychotherapy. In the third phase of treatment, sandplay encouraged movement among children, allowing them to act out meaningful scenarios and create structured situations with positive outcomes. Finally, the value of sandplay as an important therapeutic tool is discussed, primarily its role in supporting processes of change and allowing participants to assign new meanings to traumatic experiences. Its application to the field of clinical psychology, particularly when working with victims of sexual abuse, is also explored.

Effects of game-based physical education program on enjoyment in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The results of this study, including the analysis of 17 studies, show that the adoption of physical education game-based intervention has a beneficial effect on the enjoyment levels of children and adolescents. Such corresponds to the idea offered by Tornero and Capella, 2017, which claims that playing games adjusts to the emotional state of children and adolescents [ 34 ]. This advantageous feeling state can further improve their engagement in school sports activities [ 35 , 36 ].…”

Sandplay therapy could be a method to decrease disease activity and psychological stress in children with systemic lupus erythematosus

“…18 Sandplay therapy is widely used in psychological therapy and development of children, especially for mental trauma, anxiety, depression, mania and other mental disorders. 19 Therefore, this study wants to explore the impact of the Sandplay therapy on children with cSLE, for providing some help in the future treatment of cSLE. In order to exclude the possible effects of high doses of glucocorticoids on mental health, we selected the cSLE patients that disease activity was mild or moderate (SLEDAI score ≤ 14).…”

Effects of Game-based Physical Education Program on Enjoyment in Children and Adolescents : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…Data were collected from 17 researches included in this study, and it is found The ndings indicate that interventions using physical education game teaching have an advantageous effect on enjoyment encountered by children and adolescents.Relevant research has concluded that teaching athletic activities encourages youngsters and teenagers to strengthen their cognitive abilities (38, 39),motivation and social components of learning while participating in the games (40,41).More importantly, games may help adolescents and children control their emotions (42). The enjoyment gained from physical exercise is the most powerful incentive for them to take part in school activities (43,44).…”