Impact of Play Therapy on Pediatric Patients Experiencing Anxiety During Hospitalization
Advisor(s)
Sarah Bassitt
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
11-4-2025 11:00 AM
End Date
11-4-2025 11:50 AM
Abstract
Problem: Hospitalization can be a stressful and scary time for the pediatric population. Traditional interventions used for stress management may not work on this population therefore a different approach may need to be taken. A solution to this problem is play therapy.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of play therapy in reducing anxiety levels among pediatric patients during hospital stays or medical procedures. Comparing the use of play therapy versus standard care without play therapy, the study aims to determine whether incorporating play-based interventions can alleviate anxiety in children.
Methods: A randomized-control trial will be implemented on a general pediatric medical surgical floor. The participants will be from the ages of 3-12 and one hundred participants will be used in the study. The experimental group will consist of 50 patients and will be introduced to the intervention of play therapy and the control group will not receive play therapy. Participants' anxiety will be measured by several scales including the Faces Anxiety Scale and the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale prior to medical procedures and daily throughout the stay.
Conclusion: Play therapy can significantly improve the emotional well-being of hospitalized pediatric patients by reducing stress and anxiety while enhancing coping skills. The outcomes may support the integration of play therapy more commonly into pediatric care, leading to better patient experiences and improved recovery. By demonstrating its effectiveness, this study can inform hospital policies, enhance nursing interventions, and promote a patient-centered approach that will benefit both children and the healthcare system.
Recommended Citation
Sellers, Samantha R., "Impact of Play Therapy on Pediatric Patients Experiencing Anxiety During Hospitalization" (2025). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 50.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2025/Posters/50
Restricted
Available to ONU community via local IP address and ONU login.
Impact of Play Therapy on Pediatric Patients Experiencing Anxiety During Hospitalization
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem: Hospitalization can be a stressful and scary time for the pediatric population. Traditional interventions used for stress management may not work on this population therefore a different approach may need to be taken. A solution to this problem is play therapy.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of play therapy in reducing anxiety levels among pediatric patients during hospital stays or medical procedures. Comparing the use of play therapy versus standard care without play therapy, the study aims to determine whether incorporating play-based interventions can alleviate anxiety in children.
Methods: A randomized-control trial will be implemented on a general pediatric medical surgical floor. The participants will be from the ages of 3-12 and one hundred participants will be used in the study. The experimental group will consist of 50 patients and will be introduced to the intervention of play therapy and the control group will not receive play therapy. Participants' anxiety will be measured by several scales including the Faces Anxiety Scale and the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale prior to medical procedures and daily throughout the stay.
Conclusion: Play therapy can significantly improve the emotional well-being of hospitalized pediatric patients by reducing stress and anxiety while enhancing coping skills. The outcomes may support the integration of play therapy more commonly into pediatric care, leading to better patient experiences and improved recovery. By demonstrating its effectiveness, this study can inform hospital policies, enhance nursing interventions, and promote a patient-centered approach that will benefit both children and the healthcare system.