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. 2021 Sep;26(3):238-251.
doi: 10.1111/camh.12416. Epub 2020 Aug 6.

Review: The effectiveness of Theraplay for children under 12 - a systematic literature review

Rebecca Money  1 , Sarah Wilde  1 , David Dawson  1
Affiliations

Review: The effectiveness of Theraplay for children under 12 - a systematic literature review

Rebecca Money et al. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2021 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Theraplay is a relationship-focused model of treatment based on attachment theory involving both adult and child. The study aims to review the quality of Theraplay research and Theraplay's effectiveness for children aged 12 years and under with a range of presenting difficulties, to inform future practice and identify areas for further research.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE and Web of Science. Quantitative studies using Theraplay only as a treatment for children aged 12 years and under with any presenting difficulty were identified. Additional manual searching was conducted, including eligible studies' reference lists. Critical appraisal tools were used to provide a narrative synthesis of Theraplay's effectiveness and research quality.

Results: Only six eligible articles were identified, meaning there was a lack of rigorous evidence eligible to offer conclusions into Theraplay's effectiveness. The review highlighted the small evidence base, mixed quality research methodology and high levels of heterogeneity in how Theraplay is practiced and evaluated. Of the eligible studies, Theraplay was found promising in its effectiveness when used with internalising and externalising difficulties, dual diagnoses and developmental disabilities.

Conclusions: Theraplay is regularly practiced across the world; however, the evidence base of rigorous research to inform Theraplay's effectiveness and mechanisms of change is lacking. Firm conclusions could not be offered, although Theraplay was shown to be promising intervention for some presentations. Further research into Theraplay's effectiveness and key mechanisms of change are recommended to enhance the quality and depth of Theraplay literature.

Keywords: Behaviour problems; emotional dysregulation; mental health; parent-child interaction; play therapy.

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References

    1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (n.d.). National registry for evidence-based programs and practices. Theraplay. Retrieved from http://nrepp.samhsa.gov/ProgramProfile.aspx?id=156#hide3 on 14th July 2018.
    1. Achenbach, T.M., & Rescorla, L. (2001). Manual for the ASEBA school-age forms and profiles. Burlington: University of Vermont, Research Centre for Children, Youth & Families.
    1. Bandura, A. (1978). Social learning theory of aggression. Journal of Communication, 28(3), 12-29.
    1. Barkham, M., Stiles, W.B., Lambert, M.J., & Mellor-Clark, J. (2010). Building a rigorous and relevant knowledge base for the psychological therapies. In M. Barkham, G.E. Hardy & J. Mellor-Clark (Eds.), Developing and delivering practice-based evidence: a guide for the psychological therapies (pp. 21-61). West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
    1. Bojanowski, J.J., & Ammen, S. (2011). Discriminating between pre-versus post-theraplay treatment marschak interaction methods using the marschak interaction method rating system. International Journal of Play Therapy, 20, 1-11.

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