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Ethics code: IR.IAU.Z.REC.1403.102
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Khodavand Z, Kiani Q, Sobhi A. (2026). The Effectiveness of Gestalt Play Therapy on Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Children. Journal of Childhood Health and Education. 7(1), doi:10.32598/JECHE.7.1.472.1
URL: http://jeche.ir/article-1-414-en.html
URL: http://jeche.ir/article-1-414-en.html
1- Department of Psychology, Za.C., Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
Abstract: (6 Views)
Background and Aim: Children, due to limitations in language, cognition, and emotional expression, are often unable to verbally articulate their inner emotions and conflicts. Therefore, play— as the child's natural and primary language—serves as the most effective and direct way to access their inner world. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Gestalt play therapy in reducing internalizing and externalizing problems among 7- to 10-year-old children in Tabriz.
Research Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest design and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all children referred to counseling centers affiliated with the Tabriz Department of Education during the 1403 academic year (2024–2025). Participants were selected based on clinical interviews and DSM-5-TR criteria, showing internalizing problems, externalizing problems, or both. The sample included 24 children who were purposively selected and then randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group (12 children each). Data were collected using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The experimental group received 12 sessions of 75-minute Gestalt play therapy, while the control group received no intervention. After confirming the assumptions, data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Findings: The results indicated that Gestalt play therapy had a highly significant effect on reducing both internalizing problems and externalizing problems .The effect size (η²) for both variables was close to 0.99, indicating a very strong intervention effect.
Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of Gestalt therapy on children's behavioral-emotional problems, the use of this approach especially in cases of comorbidity of internalizing and externalizing problems, and in school counseling centers is recommended.
Research Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest design and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all children referred to counseling centers affiliated with the Tabriz Department of Education during the 1403 academic year (2024–2025). Participants were selected based on clinical interviews and DSM-5-TR criteria, showing internalizing problems, externalizing problems, or both. The sample included 24 children who were purposively selected and then randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group (12 children each). Data were collected using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The experimental group received 12 sessions of 75-minute Gestalt play therapy, while the control group received no intervention. After confirming the assumptions, data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Findings: The results indicated that Gestalt play therapy had a highly significant effect on reducing both internalizing problems and externalizing problems .The effect size (η²) for both variables was close to 0.99, indicating a very strong intervention effect.
Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of Gestalt therapy on children's behavioral-emotional problems, the use of this approach especially in cases of comorbidity of internalizing and externalizing problems, and in school counseling centers is recommended.
Type of Study: Research |
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Received: 2026/02/21 | Accepted: 2026/03/21 | Published: 2026/03/21
Received: 2026/02/21 | Accepted: 2026/03/21 | Published: 2026/03/21
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