A large review of 23 different studies looked at how play can help children with cancer. The study included over 1,500 children. Researchers found that various types of play, including medical play, group play, online group play, and video play, all helped to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Specific types of play showed different benefits. Medical play was found to be especially effective at reducing anxiety. Group play was found to be very effective at reducing symptoms of depression. These findings suggest that choosing the right type of play can target specific emotional needs in young patients.
Because these results come from a meta-analysis of many studies, they provide a broad look at the benefits of play. However, the best approach depends on the child's specific needs. For example, children with severe anxiety might benefit from offline medical or group play three times a week. Children with more depressive symptoms might find more help through online group or video play.
Common questions
What types of play were found to help children with cancer?
The study looked at several types of play, including medical play, group play, online group play, and video play. All of these types were found to significantly alleviate both anxiety and depressive symptoms in children with cancer. Different types of play may be more effective depending on the specific symptoms a child is experiencing.
Which play is best for children with high anxiety?
The research suggests that medical play and group play are particularly effective for children with severe anxiety symptoms. For these children, the study suggests that offline medical or group play performed three times a week may be a helpful approach to manage their anxiety.
How does group play help children with depression?
Group play was found to have an optimal effect on reducing depressive symptoms in children. For children showing prominent signs of depression, the study suggests that online group play or video play may be particularly suitable interventions to help manage those symptoms.
