Effect of play therapy on depression in children with chronic illnesses: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Chronic illness in children significantly affects their emotional well-being, often leading to feelings of depression. Play therapy, with its recognized potential as a crucial intervention for reducing negative emotions in children, offers hope in the face of such challenges. This study investigates the effects of play therapy on depression levels in children with chronic illnesses. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2022 with a pre-and post-test design involving control and intervention groups. The sample comprised 60 children aged 7 to 12 with chronic illnesses, selected from six Children’s Medical Center Hospital departments. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=30) or a control group (n=30). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Maria Kovacs Children’s Depression Inventory, which includes 27 items. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 16. The study included 60 participants. There was no significant difference in depression levels between the intervention and control groups before the intervention (P=0.06). However, post-intervention results showed a significant reduction in depression scores in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Additionally, the intervention group demonstrated a significant decrease in depression levels after the intervention (P<0.001), while the control group did not show significant changes (P=0.268). The findings indicate that play therapy, with its potential to reduce depression levels in children with chronic illnesses, offers hope. Incorporating play therapy into treatment protocols is recommended to enhance the mental health of these children.