Completed

NCT Number: NCT07137325

Investigating the Effects of Play Therapy Techniques on Learned Helplessness and Social Comparison Levels in Children Living in an Orphanage

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effects of play therapy techniques on the learned helplessness levels and social comparison tendencies of children living in children's homes.

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Learned Helplessness Social Comparison

Age range

10 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Aile Ve Sosyal Hizmetler Il Müdürlüğü

Muş, Merkez, 49100, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Purpose: This study aims to examine the effects of play therapy techniques on the learned helplessness levels and social comparison tendencies of children living in children's homes.

Method: The study was conducted using a randomized experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The research sample consisted of 39 children living in children's homes affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services in Türkiye. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental (n=21) and control (n=18) groups. The experimental group received a six-week structured play therapy program. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Learned Helplessness Scale, and the Social Comparison Scale, and nonparametric tests were used in analyses.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

- Living in a children's home,
Continuing education,
Having no hearing or vision problems.

Exclusion criteria

those who do not meet the inclusion criteria

Treatment and study plan

play therapy

Behavioral

The intervention consisted of a structured play therapy program specifically designed for children residing in institutional care settings. What distinguishes this intervention from others is its targeted focus on reducing learned helplessness and improving social comparison tendencies, two psychological constructs particularly relevant to children in residential care.

The program was conducted over six weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 60 minutes, and implemented in a one-on-one format within a safe, quiet room in the child care facility. The content was developmentally appropriate and included modules on emotional expression, communication, realistic goal setting, resource awareness, problem-solving, and positive self-perception. The therapeutic techniques were based on principles of non-directive and humanistic play therapy, allowing children to express themselves freely while being guided through structured themes.

Unlike general play therapy programs, this intervention

Primary outcomes

pretest (6-week play therapy before the intervention)

Time frame: Baseline (within 1 week before play therapy)

Primary Outcome Measure 1: Social Comparison Level (Social Comparison Scale)

Description: Social Comparison Scale, range 12-60; higher scores = higher social comparison tendency.

Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention, within 1 week before play therapy).

Unit of Measure: Total score (12-60).
pretest (6-week play therapy before the intervention)

Time frame: Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention, within 1 week before play therapy).

Primary Outcome Measure 2: Learned Helplessness Level (Learned Helplessness Scale)

Description: Learned Helplessness Scale, range 0-20; higher scores = greater learned helplessness.

Time Frame: Baseline (pre-intervention, within 1 week before play therapy).

Unit of Measure: Total score (0-20).

Secondary outcomes

posttest (After the 6-week play therapy intervention)

Time frame: At 6 weeks (immediately after completion of play therapy).

Secondary Outcome Measure 1: Social Comparison Level Post-Intervention (Social Comparison Scale)

Description: Social Comparison Scale, range 12-60; higher scores = higher social comparison tendency.

Time Frame: Post-intervention (at 6 weeks after completion of play therapy).

Unit of Measure: Total score (12-60).
posttest (After the 6-week play therapy intervention)

Time frame: 6 weeks after baseline (post-intervention)

Secondary Outcome Measure 2: Learned Helplessness Level Post-Intervention (Learned Helplessness Scale)

Description: Learned Helplessness Scale, range 0-20; higher scores = greater learned helplessness.

Time Frame: Post-intervention (at 6 weeks after completion of play therapy).

Unit of Measure: Total score (0-20).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Muş Alparslan University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2024
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Aug 22, 2025
Registry last updated: Aug 22, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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