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Exploring Play Therapy in Pediatric Oncology: A Preliminary Endeavour

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The Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

To discuss the benefits and feasibility of play therapy in pediatric oncology.

Methods

This is highlighted through the use of a case report of non-directive play therapy with a 4 y- old girl, diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The outcome of play therapy was examined using a combination of qualitative and quantitative assessments.

Results

The benefits of play therapy with this child were manifested in better illness adjustment and general mental well-being, enhanced coping, and normalization.

Conclusions

Having illustrated benefits of play therapy in pediatric oncology, this paper discusses its feasibility and proposes avenues for clinical practice and research endeavours.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the contributions of Dr. Anna Abraham, Clinical Psychologist, KMIO, Bangalore, India and Dr. Saralea Chazan, Clinical Psychologist, USA, for their contributions in designing the study and data analysis respectively. Also, much gratitude is indebted to Seema and her family, who willingly cooperated to participate in the study.

Contributions

UC: Designing study, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, and drafting and finalizing manuscript; UH: Designing study, analyzing and interpreting data, and finalizing manuscript; LA: Designing study, facilitating data collection, and finalizing manuscript.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560029, India

    Uttara Chari & Uma Hirisave

  2. Department of Pediatric Oncology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, India

    L. Appaji

Authors
  1. Uttara Chari
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  2. Uma Hirisave
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  3. L. Appaji
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Correspondence to Uttara Chari.

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Chari, U., Hirisave, U. & Appaji, L. Exploring Play Therapy in Pediatric Oncology: A Preliminary Endeavour. Indian J Pediatr 80, 303–308 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-012-0807-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-012-0807-8

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