Effectiveness of Play Therapy Based on Social Cognition in Children With Internalized Behavioral Disorders

Abstract

Objectives: Internalizing disorders include disorders, such as major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and somatic disorders. In the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is recognized as a distinct group, but anxiety is a common symptom. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of play therapy programs based on social cognition in children with internalized behavioral disorders. Methods: This study was an experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and followup. The subjects were screened based on the inclusion criteria, then 20 children with internalized behavioral disorders were selected after the matching process, and they were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (10 persons in each group). The intervention program was implemented in 10 sessions over 3 months. In this research, the Achenbach questionnaire (teacher report form) was used to assess students’ behavioral problems. Results: The results showed that play therapy with the social cognition method decreased the behavioral problems in children with the internalizing disorder (P≤0.05). Discussion: It suggested that this supportive program can be implemented in a community of children with internalizing behavioral disorders. Highlights • Internalizing disorders are associated with temperamental disorders, problems and some physical problems that a child faces in the growth process and cause behavioral dysfunction in children. • The presented play therapy programs can be a pattern for respectable managers and educational planning, parents, and consultants. • Play therapy based on social cognition has been effective in decreasing children’s behavioral problems Plain Language Summary The main hypothesis in the present research is that play therapy based on social cognition decreases children’s behavioral problems scores with internalized disorders. Internalizing disorders are directed inward and reflect a child’s psychological and emotional state and typically include depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and somatic complaints. Also, children with internalizing disorders can negatively affect their peers, siblings, and parents. This research’s results showed that play therapy based on social cognition is effective in decreasing children’s behavioral problems.