Faculty Publications

Use Of Toys In Child-Centered Play Therapy

Document Type

Article

Keywords

child-centered play therapy, play therapy, toys

Journal/Book/Conference Title

International Journal of Play Therapy

Volume

22

Issue

1

First Page

43

Last Page

57

Abstract

Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach to counseling that allows children to use a variety of toys and materials to express themselves. Although all play therapists agree on the importance of toys, no research exists to support which toys and materials should be included in play therapy rooms. This study was conducted to discover which toys are most frequently used during play therapy for the purpose of assisting play therapists in making decisions about toy selection. Researchers observed toys used by 68 children, ages 3-10 years old, in child-centered play therapy (CCPT). Results indicated variation in toys used by children during CCPT, with the sandbox and sand tools used most frequently. Although some toys were used more frequently than others, children often played with toys from each of four categories (Family/Nurturing, Expressive, Pretend/Fantasy, and Scary/Aggressive). Age and gender were also explored as predictors of toy use. © 2013 American Psychological Association.

Department

School of Applied Human Sciences

Original Publication Date

1-1-2013

DOI of published version

10.1037/a0031430

Link to Full Text

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