The Effect of Therapeutic Play on Children’s Pain, Anxiety and Mothers’ Anxiety during Pre- and Postcircumcision Period

Abstract

Purpose

The study was conducted to determine the effect of the therapeutic play method implemented on the pre- and postcircumcision pain and anxiety levels of children and mothers’ anxiety levels in the pediatric surgery clinic.

Design

Prospective, randomized clinical trial.

Methods

The study consisted of children between the ages of 3 to 6 admitted to the pediatric surgery clinic and their mothers (N = 120; Therapeutic playgroup = 60, Control group = 60). As a therapeutic play method the children and their mothers used play dough during the structured conversation for about 10 minutes before and after the operation. A questionnaire, the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) pain scale, the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale (CEMS) anxiety scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-S (STAI-S) anxiety scale for parents were used to collect data.

Findings

In the pre- and postcircumcision period, the pain and anxiety levels of children and mothers’ anxiety levels in the therapeutic playgroup were statistically lower compared to the control group (P < .05). In the postoperative period, a positive and significance correlation was found between anxiety levels of the mothers and pain and anxiety levels of children in the control group (P < .05).

Conclusions

The therapeutic play method was effective in reducing the pain and anxiety levels of children and mothers’ anxiety in the pre- and postcircumcision period.