Effects of Sandplay Therapy on Emotional Problems and Quality of Life in Children With Central Nervous System Tumors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effectiveness of sandplay therapy in reducing emotional problems and enhancing quality of life in children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

SAMPLE &

SETTING

This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary hospital in China from January to August 2024, involving 56 children aged 6-14 years with CNS tumors.

METHODS & VARIABLES: The intervention and control groups received regular treatment, and the intervention group received an additional four sessions of sandplay therapy. Data were collected at baseline and at 5 weeks and 12 weeks after baseline. The children's scores on three assessments before and after the intervention were analyzed using a mixed-effects model.

RESULTS

Participants in the intervention group reported statistically significant lower depression and anxiety scores and higher quality-of-life scores than the control group at 5- and 12-week follow-up.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Sandplay therapy can reduce depression and anxiety and enhance quality of life in children with CNS tumors. Sandplay therapy is feasible and effective in developing psychological support interventions for children.