Role of Occupational Therapy on Depression, Anxiety and Self-Esteem of Abused Children

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM According to WHO, 40 million children of ≤15 years old are abused in a year. Child abuse is the contravention of rights and dignity of children whether it is physical, sexual, neglect or emotional, causes depression, anxiety, antisocial life, low self-esteem, destructive personality, disturbed sexual behavior and suicide. Pediatric occupational therapy plays an important role in physical, emotional, cognitiv e and sensory development of the children. This study outlines that Occupational Therapy interventions play significant role in reducing depression, anxiety and improving self-esteem among children with abuse METHODOLOGY It was Quasi experimental study. This study was conducted at NGOs on abused children. This study carried out on 50 participants, aged 8-17 years. Pre and post evaluations and assessments with two scales were administered for 10 weeks program with Occupational Therapy interventions that has been implemented in different groups consisted of 6-7 members in group settings with art therapy and play therapy. RESULTS The Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale-25 (RCADS-25) measured for anxiety and low mood to conclude for the total anxiety and total depression. CONCLUSIONS Occupational therapy serves an effective intervention to reduce anxiety, depression and improves self-esteem providing better life quality, boosting confidence, trust and rebuilding personality of abused and neglected children. KEY WORDS Abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation.