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Using Drama Therapy to Enhance Maternal Insightfulness and Reduce Children's Behavior Problems
Rinat Feniger-Schaal1,2, Nina Koren-Karie1,3
1The Center for the Study of Child Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
Frontiers in Psychology
|February 8, 2021
Summary
Drama therapy improved maternal insightfulness and reduced child behavior problems in at-risk families. This 10-week intervention, Parental Insightfulness Drama Therapy (PIDT), showed lasting positive effects on mothers and children six months post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Child Development
- Therapeutic Interventions
Background:
- Maternal insightfulness is vital for therapeutic change and effective parenting.
- Attachment theory and maternal insightfulness inform interventions for at-risk families.
- Creative expressive methods like drama therapy can enhance maternal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement attachment theory and maternal insightfulness concepts into a clinical intervention.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a drama therapy group intervention for mothers of children-at-risk.
- To assess improvements in maternal insightfulness and child behavior problems.
Main Methods:
- A manualized 10-week Parental Insightfulness Drama Therapy (PIDT) group intervention was used.
- Forty mothers of children-at-risk participated in eight PIDT groups.
- Maternal insightfulness was assessed using the Insightfulness Assessment (IA) interview, and child behavior problems were measured by the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) at three time points (T1, T2, T3).
Main Results:
- Maternal insightfulness scales showed significant improvement at T2, but not the categorical classification.
- A significant shift from non-insightful to insightful maternal classification was observed at T3 (6-month follow-up).
- Children exhibited significant reductions in externalized and general behavioral problems at T3.
Conclusions:
- Drama therapy is an effective, evidence-based intervention for improving maternal insightfulness.
- PIDT positively impacts maternal functioning and reduces behavioral issues in at-risk children.
- Creative expressive therapies offer accessible and effective means for enhancing parental care and child well-being.
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