Theraplay and Attachment-Related Challenging Behaviours - Final V 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Theraplay for attachment-related challenging behaviour: A case series approach
IRAS ID
244818
Contact name
Dave Dawson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Lincoln
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Theraplay is a widely used attachment-based model of play for children with various presenting difficulties. The study will examine the effectiveness of Theraplay on children’s attachment-related challenging behaviours, and their relationship with parent/carer, using a case series design (CSD). The SCD aims to capture the processes within the Theraplay model, providing an understanding into how the Theraplay model contributes to any changes. Children aged 12 years and under who have been accepted for Theraplay with either a parent/carer will be offered the opportunity to participate, with a maximum of eight parent-child dyads recruited. The Theraplay intervention itself is deemed treatment as usual, with sessions video recorded as part of the recommended Theraplay protocol. For the research, assessment measures (self-report, observational and a semi-structured interview) have been introduced alongside the usual treatment of Theraplay, alongside two meetings with the lead researcher (Rebecca Smith).
The CSD will consist of phase ‘A’ (assessment), including video recorded assessments and meetings with the researcher/therapist, and phase ‘B’ (treatment) of video recorded Theraplay sessions. Usual treatment would include both assessment and treatment. Theraplay sessions are structured on the four core concepts (structure, challenge, nurture and engagement) involving child, parent/carer and therapist. Participants will be asked to complete measures alongside sessions, and the research will be observing the video recorded sessions using a measure to capture any changes in the four concepts. Outcome measures will assess the parent/carers personal goals for therapy alongside their wellbeing, in additional to children’s problematic behaviours. Process measures include a parent/carer measure of their child’s attachment, alongside the observational measure (completed by the research team). A semi-structured change interview will be completed at the end of the study to gather a qualitative account of the parent/carers experience. The study hypothesises that following the implementation of Theraplay and its key mechanisms of change, there will be an improvement in child attachment, decline in problematic behaviours and improvement in parent/carer wellbeing.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NE/0090
Date of REC Opinion
15 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion