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Effect of child-centered play therapy on performance anxiety and academic achievement

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Effect of child-centered play therapy on performance anxiety and academic achievement

Authors & Publication Information:

Blanco, P. J., Muro, J. H., Holliman, R., Stickley, V. K., & Carter, K. (2015). Effect of child-centered play therapy on performance anxiety and academic achievement. Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, 1(2), 66-80. https://doi.org/10.1080/23727810.2015.1079117

Findings

Compared to the waitlist control group, children in the CCPT group demonstrated statistically significant increase in early achievement scores (YCAT). Additionally, children in the CCPT group demonstrated statistically significant lower mean scores on anxiety (RCMAS-2). Compared to the waitlist control group, children in the CCPT group demonstrated no significant difference on achievement test scores (WJIII ACH) between the groups.

Sample Characteristics

N = 59 children

  • 6-7; M = 6.5
  • 53% male, 47% female
  • 69% White, 17% Latine, 7% Black, 2% Asian, 5% Other
Study Characteristics

Individual CCPT

  • 16 sessions
  • 2x weekly; 30 minutes
Measurements

Early Achievement Composite of the Young Children’s Achievement Test (YCAT)
Woodcock Johnson III Total Brief Achievement (WJIII ACH)
Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS-2)