NCT07137325

Investigating the Effects of Play Therapy Techniques on Learned Helplessness and Social Comparison Levels in Children Living in an Orphanage

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 39 (actual)
• Sponsor: Muş Alparslan University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 10 Years – 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effects of play therapy techniques on the learned helplessness levels and social comparison tendencies of children living in children's homes.

Detailed description

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effects of play therapy techniques on the learned helplessness levels and social comparison tendencies of children living in children's homes. Method: The study was conducted using a randomized experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The research sample consisted of 39 children living in children's homes affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services in Türkiye. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental (n=21) and control (n=18) groups. The experimental group received a six-week structured play therapy program. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Learned Helplessness Scale, and the Social Comparison Scale, and nonparametric tests were used in analyses.

Conditions

• Learned Helplessness
• Social Comparison

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	play therapy	The intervention consisted of a structured play therapy program specifically designed for children residing in institutional care settings. What distinguishes this intervention from others is its targeted focus on reducing learned helplessness and improving social comparison tendencies, two psychological constructs particularly relevant to children in residential care. The program was conducted over six weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 60 minutes, and implemented in a one-on-one format within a safe, quiet room in the child care facility. The content was developmentally appropriate and included modules on emotional expression, communication, realistic goal setting, resource awareness, problem-solving, and positive self-perception. The therapeutic techniques were based on principles of non-directive and humanistic play therapy, allowing children to express themselves freely while being guided through structured themes. Unlike general play therapy programs, this intervention

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-08-01
• Primary completion: 2024-09-15
• Completion: 2024-12-01
• First posted: 2025-08-22
• Last updated: 2025-08-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)