Discovering African American parents' perceptions of play therapy: A phenomenological approach.

Abstract

A qualitative investigation illuminating the perceptions of eight African American caregivers of elementary school-age children. In particular, this study explored questions that pertained to African American parents' (a) thoughts about counseling, (b) beliefs about the purpose of play, and (c) perceptions about play as a therapeutic agent in counseling. Analysis of African American caregivers' responses to interview questions revealed information about two main themes: (a) value of play and (b) receptivity to counseling. Participants identified developmental learning and energy release as two of the main values surrounding play. They also indicated that receptivity to counseling was directly related to specific facilitative factors, or lack thereof. Implications for play therapists' work with parents and directions for future research are explored.

Exploring the Accessibility of Child-Centered Play Therapy for Australian Muslim Children

“…A phenomenological study examines the lived experience of people on the phenomenon of interest (Creswell, 2007). Previous studies, such as the research conducted by Brumfield and Christensen (2011), also utilized a phenomenological framework to explore parent's perceptions of play therapy.…”

The adult public’s perception of the utility of play therapy.

“…These parents believed that parents' cultural identity impacts their view of play therapy (Brumfield & Christensen, 2011). They believed that play is an important part of developmental learning and how children release stress and express themselves (Brumfield & Christensen, 2011). Parents noted that they wanted more information about play therapy resources and that their perceptions of play therapy were directly influenced by their perception of the play therapists' competence (Brumfield & Christensen, 2011).…”

“…They believed that play is an important part of developmental learning and how children release stress and express themselves (Brumfield & Christensen, 2011). Parents noted that they wanted more information about play therapy resources and that their perceptions of play therapy were directly influenced by their perception of the play therapists' competence (Brumfield & Christensen, 2011). Systemic racism has caused disparities in the quality of health care with Black people having less access to medical care due to being underrepresented in higher paying jobs with health insurance and higher frequency of unemployment (Blendon et al, 1989).…”

Child-centered play therapy parent services: A Q-methodological investigation.

“…In this study, we utilized three successive stages to develop a Q set that consisted of behaviors that parents may expect from play therapists (e.g., "Teaches me more effective parenting skills" or "Seeks to understand and addresses my specific concerns about my child"). Phase I began with an extensive review of literature, including CCPT texts (Axline, 1974;Cochran et al, 2010;Landreth, 2012;Ray, 2011;VanFleet et al, 2010;Wilson & Ryan, 2005), peer-reviewed articles specific to CCPT parent consultations (Bornsheuer & Watts, 2012;Brumfield & During Phase II, we consulted with a team of experts, including doctoral-level counselor educators with extensive experience in play therapy research design and analysis to revise and condense the items. We then consulted with a team of four doctoral-level play therapists with extensive experience providing CCPT in the universitybased counseling clinic in which the study took place.…”