Article Summary

The article from Medical Xpress, published on October 30, 2018, highlights a study showing that at- risk elementary students benefit from child-centered play therapy significantly. Conducted by Dee Ray at the University of North Texas, the research involved 59 students across four elementary schools identified as at- risk due to emotional or behavioral challenges. Over eight weeks, half received 16 play therapy sessions, while the other half remained on a waitlist. Results showed that those in the therapy group exhibited reduced disruptive behaviors and improved emotional regulation, as reported by teachers using the Behavior Assessment System for Children.

The study underscores the potential of play therapy as a tailored intervention for young students facing adversity, suggesting it fosters a safe space for emotional expression and resilience-building. While the sample size was small and the study lacked randomization—limitations acknowledged by the researchers—the findings align with prior evidence supporting play therapy’s efficacy. Published in the International Journal of Play Therapy, the research calls for broader school adoption. However, it notes the need for further studies to confirm long-term impacts and scalability.

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