Clinical Effect of SPT in Adolescents Experiencing Suicidal Events

Abstract

This study aims to verify the clinical treatment effect of Sandplay Therapy (SPT) through MMPI-2 for 22 adolescents who have experienced suicidal events such as suicide attempt s, suicide accidents, and self-injury. To this end, for 20 weeks from 2019 to 2021, SPT 15 sessions were conducted for 22 teenagers who experienced suicide cases at middle an d high schools in Cheonan and Asan. The subjects of this study were 6 males (27.3%) an d 16 females (72.7%) with an average age of 16.32±1.25 years. As the evaluation instru ments, MMPI-2 were used during the baseline phase and after the termination of the ther apy. The comparison of the scores according to MMPI-2 clinical scales and detailed evalu ation scales before and after the 15 session showed that there are statistically significant changes. There was a statistically significant difference among Clinical Scales: Hs(Hypocho ndriasis, t=3.298, p= .003), D(Depression, t=4.402, p= <.001), Hy(Hysteria, t= 4.034, p =.001), Pd(Psychopathic Deviate, t=3.139, p=.005), Pa(Paranoia, t=3.505, p=.002), Pt(Ps ychathenia, t=2.861, p=.009), Sc(Schizophrenia, t=3.491, p=.002), Si (Social Introversion, t=5.081, p=<.001). In addition, there was a statistically significant changes: LSE (low self -esteem, t=4.158, p=<.001) of Content scales, Es (Ego Strength, t=-2.626, p=.016), PK (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, t=3.324, p=.003) of Supplementary Scales, DEP3 (Self -Depreciation, t=4.124, p<.001), DEP4 (Suicidal Ideation, t=4.102, p=.001)in Content Co mponent Scales. It is believed that SPT provided a positive effect on risk factors such as trauma, self-esteem and psychiatric status in adolescents who experienced suicidality epis odes such as suicidal ideation and self-injury and suicidal attempt.