Behavioral problems in children, such as aggressiveness, jealousy, tantrums and anxiety attacks can be treated through play therapy. These therapies intervene the child’s perception and identify their needs, say specialists from the Behavioral Science Department at the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEM).
Adelaida Rojas García and Carolina Serrano Barquín, researchers and professors at UAEM, said that children seek to satisfy their bio-psychosocial needs. When they are unable to fulfill these needs, negative emotions emerge that create a range of reactions.
The researchers said that in any stage of childhood anger, sadness, anxiety, bitterness and fear are necessary emotions, which build up when they are not expressed.
The techniques of play therapy allow a closer understanding of the child’s world, through lucid activities that allow the child to express their needs and emotions. Rojas García and Serrano Barquín said that the child’s development requires an intense emotional dedication and immersion in the activities to be able to improve the child’s behavior.
They said that there is no standard procedure for play therapy and that strategies for each case are determined during therapy. Play therapy focused on the child’s needs is the most suitable means to offer the child the opportunity to express his or her feelings, problems, fears and dislikes. With time, the challenges can be overcome and the child can adapt to his or her surroundings.
