The Effect of a Group Theraplay Program for Improving Social Competence of Children in Group Homes

그룹홈 아동의 사회적 유능성 증진을 위한 집단 치료놀이 프로그램 효과

A group theraplay program for improving social competence of children in group homes was composed of 24 sessions. The researcher and a therapist accessed 5 children living in a group home and conducted one session each week for 6 months from May to September. Before the application of the program, a pre-test was conducted using evaluation measures of attachment stability, social competence, and children's behavioral problems. A post-test was performed after the end of the program and a follow-up test was carried out to determine the long term effects of the program. Results showed that the group theraplay program improved attachment stability and social competence of children in group homes and was effective in changing problem behaviors.