Play Therapy for Social Comparison and Helplessness in Turkish Children's Homes: RCT

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a structured play therapy program on learned helplessness and social comparison among adolescents living in children's homes. Methods: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted in a state-run children's home in eastern T & uuml;rkiye between August and September 2024. Adolescents (N = 39; mean age approximate to 15 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 21) or a control group (n = 18). The intervention group received six weekly 60-min group-based play therapy sessions, while the control group continued standard institutional care. Learned helplessness and social comparison were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using validated scales. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups (ps > .05). Post-intervention, social comparison scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p = .016), with size for change scores (p = .001; r = .52). Discussion: Findings support integrating play therapy into child welfare practice.