Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr. 2026 Jul;75(5):388-400. doi: 10.13109/prkk.2026.75.5.388.
ABSTRACT
This study examined the efficacy of experiential play therapy in reducing behavioral problems among children with Conduct Disorder (CD). Between December 2022 and May 2024, a prospective clinical trial was conducted with 20 children aged 7-12 years (10 females, 10 males) diagnosed with CD according to DSM-5 criteria. The intervention involved eight weekly, 45-minute experiential play therapy sessions. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) measured changes in behavioral symptoms before therapy, after the fourth session, and following the eighth session. No pharmacological treatment was provided. Structured and free-play activities aimed to encourage emotional expression, social interaction, and problem-solving skills. Experiential play therapy led to significant reductions in core behavioral symptoms. Hyperactivity decreased from 14.2±8.5 to 1.9±2.3 and lethargy from 15.8±6.3 to 1.9±2.6 by the eighth session (both p < 0.001). Other problematic behaviors also declined significantly (5.2±2.4 to 0.7±0.7, p < 0.001). The total Aberrant Behavior Checklist score dropped markedly from 35.4±13.7 to 4.5±5.0 (p < 0.001), reflecting substantial clinical improvement. Children with separated parents had higher baseline hyperactivity (22.8±5.1 vs. 12.0±7.9, p = 0.012) and total scores (51.0±4.2 vs. 31.6±12.4, p < 0.001). Although children with parents together and children with separated parents both improved significantly, differences in hyperactivity were no longer significant by the eighth session (p = 0.363). Repetitive and self-injurious behaviors did not show significant change. These findings underscore the value of experiential play therapy for managing conduct-related challenges during the intervention period, with observable benefits across the early and later sessions. Further research should examine longer follow-up outcomes, investigate family support, and explore integration with other therapies to optimize results.
PMID:42487648 | DOI:10.13109/prkk.2026.75.5.388
