1- MA in Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran. , amiri_tmu@yahoo.com
3- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
4- MA in clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Azad University, Yazd, Iran
Abstract: (226 Views)
Introduction: Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychological problems in childhood, which can lead to impairments in executive functioning and social skills. However, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral play therapy in simultaneously improving executive functions and social skills in children with anxiety .disorders
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral play therapy in alleviating anxiety symptoms while simultaneously enhancing executive functioning and social skills among children diagnosed with anxiety disorders
Method: A quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest and control group was used. The study population comprised children with anxiety disorders in Shal District, Qazvin Province, in 2023. Thirty participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Measurement tools included the Reynolds Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale, the Coolidge Executive Functioning Inventory, and the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters. The experimental group received eight one-hour sessions of cognitive-behavioral play therapy (CBPT). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance.
Results: The results indicated a significant effect of cognitive-behavioral play therapy in reducing anxiety symptoms among children in the experimental group (P ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, CBPT had a significant positive effect on improving executive functions and social skills in the experimental group (P ≤ 0.01)
Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral play therapy is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders and improving social skills and executive functioning in children. Therefore, it is recommended that CBPT be incorporated into the design of interventions aimed at enhancing children’s psychological competencies
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2025/01/2 | Accepted: 2025/02/1