Therapeutic play as a qualitative data generation method: A critical reflection

Area of Science:

• Child Health Research
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Pediatric Nursing

Background:

• Child-centred research necessitates ethical and child-friendly data generation methods.
• Engaging younger children presents significant methodological challenges for researchers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and reflect on therapeutic play as a data generation method.
• To explore its use with young children in a child-centred qualitative study.

Main Methods:

• A multiple case study strategy was employed.
• Four young children participated in six therapeutic play sessions based on Oaklander's Gestalt approach.
• Nurse researchers facilitated the play, critically reflecting on its efficacy.

Main Results:

• Therapeutic play effectively generates useful data from young children.
• This method amplifies children's voices, ensuring a child-centred approach.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic play is a viable method for child-centred research.
• Nurse researchers require specialized skills to implement this approach safely and effectively.