The effect of attachment based theraplay on parental reflective function and emotional regulation of children with externalizing problems
Subject Areas : Psychology
ساجده فلاح نژاد تفتی
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بهمن بهمنی
2
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پروین جعفری
3
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Keywords:
Abstract :
This research aimed to investigate the effect of attachment-based play therapy on parents' reflective functioning and emotional regulation of children with externalizing problems. In regard to the purpose, this research was applicable and in regard to procedure, it was a single-subject study. The study community included all children 6-8 years old with externalizing problems in the city of Yazd, that among them 3 children selected as samples by purpose-based sampling. This research was done in the spring of 2023. Research questionnaires included: Child Behavior Checklist Achenbach (2001), Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (2017), Emotion Regulation Checklist (1995). Attachment-based play therapy sessions were held weekly for one hour in eight sessions. After the sessions, the reflective functioning and emotional regulation questionnaire was answered by the mother, and after two months, the tests were completed in the follow-up phase. Its findings indicate the remarkable effectiveness of attachment-based play therapy on the improvement of parental reflecting functioning and emotional regulation of children with externalizing problems. As a result, the presence of attachment concepts in play therapy leads to the improvement of mother-child interaction, change of attachment style and increase of mother's sensitivity towards the child's needs and feelings, thus increasing the reflection functioning of parents and reducing emotional regulation problems in children is expected. Treatment protocol with attachment-oriented components should be considered for educational and clinical centers.