The Effect of Child-Centered Play Therapy on Children with Anger Control Problems is True

Abstract

Background: Children's anger and aggressive behaviors become a problem for teachers and parents at home, in the classroom, or the playground. Pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches are recommended for children who cannot control their anger. Child-centered play therapy is one of these approaches. Aim: This study aimed to reveal the effect of child-centered play therapy on children with anger issues. Materials and Methods: The study group consists of 25 volunteer child clients with anger symptoms, and the control group consists of 25 volunteer child clients without anger symptoms. Each participant was given child-centered play therapy with 45-min sessions twice a week for 3 weeks during the research process. The Trait Anger-Anger Style Scale was administered to the participants before and after the therapy. Results: As a result of the study, it was shown that children with anger issues experienced a significant change and improved after child-centered play therapy. Children have become able to control their anger. At the same time, improvement was observed in the verbal and behavioral expression of anger. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that child-centered play therapy can be an effective treatment option for children with anger issues and aggressive behaviors.