In the digital age, internet addiction among children is a growing concern, with significant impacts on sleep quality and self-efficacy. Recent research titled "Investigating the Effectiveness of Modifying the Parent-Child Interaction Pattern Based on Filial Play Therapy on Internet Addiction, Sleep Quality, and Self-efficacy in 9-12-Year-Old Children" provides valuable insights into how filial play therapy can address these issues. This blog will explore the key findings of this study and offer practical advice for practitioners aiming to improve child outcomes.
Key Findings
The study employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test assessments to evaluate the impact of filial play therapy on internet addiction, sleep quality, and self-efficacy among children aged 9-12 years. The participants were divided into experimental and control groups, with the experimental group receiving the intervention.
- Reduction in Internet Addiction: The experimental group showed a significant decrease in internet addiction scores, from a mean of 88.14 to 75.14.
- Improvement in Sleep Quality: The sleep quality scores improved markedly in the experimental group, with mean scores decreasing from 1.75 to 0.5.
- Increase in Self-Efficacy: Self-efficacy scores in the experimental group increased significantly, from a mean of 62.08 to 81.75.
Practical Implications
These findings suggest that modifying the parent-child interaction pattern through filial play therapy can effectively reduce internet addiction and improve both sleep quality and self-efficacy in children. Here are some practical steps for practitioners:
- Incorporate Filial Play Therapy: Encourage parents to engage in play therapy sessions with their children. This helps in building a stronger emotional bond and reduces the likelihood of internet addiction.
- Focus on Positive Interactions: Train parents to focus on positive interactions and reinforcement during play sessions. This can significantly boost a child's self-efficacy.
- Monitor Sleep Patterns: Advise parents to monitor and improve their children's sleep patterns. Better sleep quality has been linked to reduced internet addiction and higher self-efficacy.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides compelling evidence for the benefits of filial play therapy, further research is needed to explore its long-term effects and applicability across different age groups and settings. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of research to refine and optimize therapeutic interventions for children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Investigating the Effectiveness of Modifying the Parent-Child Interaction Pattern Based on Filial Play Therapy on Internet Addiction, Sleep Quality, and Self-efficacy in 9-12-Year-Old Children.
