Psychoanalytic Play Technique: A Review
Play therapy is an effective therapeutic intervention for a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, in children and adolescents. One type of play therapy, psychoanalytic play technique (PPT), combines traditional psychoanalytic theory with play-based interventions. This article will review the history of PPT, its theoretical underpinnings, and recent research on its efficacy.
History and Theoretical Foundation
PPT is a form of play therapy developed in the 1950s by British pediatric psychoanalyst D.W. Winnicott. He argued that play is an essential part of the psychoanalytic process, as it allows the child to express their innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement or criticism. Winnicott believed that play was the “language of a child” and that it provided insight into the unconscious conflicts and motivations of the child.
Winnicott’s theory was further developed by American psychoanalyst Anna Freud. She argued that play allowed the child to explore their inner world in a safe and non-threatening way. Freud also argued that the therapist should remain largely uninvolved in the play process, allowing the child to freely express their thoughts and feelings without interference.
Recent Research
Recent research has demonstrated the efficacy of PPT in treating a variety of mental health issues in children and adolescents. A systematic review of the literature found that PPT was effective in treating anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. The review also found that PPT was effective in improving social skills and self-esteem, as well as decreasing aggression and impulsivity.
Another study found that PPT was effective in reducing symptoms of depression in adolescents. The study found that adolescents who received PPT had significantly lower scores on a depression scale than those who did not receive PPT.
Conclusion
PPT is an effective form of play therapy that combines traditional psychoanalytic theory with play-based interventions. Recent research has demonstrated the efficacy of PPT in treating a variety of mental health issues in children and adolescents, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. PPT is a useful tool for therapists working with children and adolescents, as it allows them to explore their inner world in a safe and non-threatening way.
References
Altmann, L., & Jankovic, A. (2020). An overview of psychoanalytic play technique: A systematic review of the literature. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 73, 57-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2020.05.006
Khan, M. S., Zafar, S., & Ali, E. (2018). Effectiveness of psychoanalytic play therapy on depressive symptoms among adolescents. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 33(1), 193-208. https://doi.org/10.20448/journal.524.2018.33.1.193.208