Play Therapy With Abused Children: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The authors present a review and critique of the play therapy literature related to abused and neglected children, and they discuss seven characteristic play behaviors of maltreated children along with two common play themes. Recommendations for future research are also presented.

Developmental Delay, Symbolic Play and Non-Directive Play Therapy

“…He had a good memory for recent personal events and was developing non-verbal and verbal communication skills over a short space of time. The cause of his developmental delay and passivity, therefore, was more likely due to earlier abusive experiences (Claussen, & Crittenden, 1991;Crittenden, 1985;White, & Allers, 1994). Claussen and Crittenden (1991) demonstrate that different forms of abuse are intercorrelated, which in turn increases developmental risks for children such as Patrick.…”

A storytelling robot for pediatric rehabilitation

“…Vilozni, et al 1994). The rich literature that describes the use of puppetry as a therapeutic, educational, and social tool (e.g., White, J.& Allers, C. T.,1994, Vidler, 1972Currant, 1985;Carter, 1987;Caputo, 1993) also shows the benefits of technology. For example researchers have found that the use of puppets as a mediating technology can produce more expressive communication patterns among children who are in crisis or have on-going emotional, behavioral or academic challenges.…”

Predictors of play therapy outcomes.

“…Virginia Axline introduced play therapy into the mainstream of psychotherapy during the 1940s. Since that time, play therapy has become an increasingly implemented therapy option for children (O’Connor, 1991; White & Allers, 1994). There have been several attempts to analyze the effects of play therapy and determinants that lead to successful therapy.…”