Effects of Play-Therapy on some Psychological Problems of Beggars’ Children in Destitute Center: Imo State-Nigeria

Abstract

 

The study investigates the effects of play-therapy method in solving some psychological problems of children in Destitute Centres in Imo State of Nigeria. The study is predicated on the risk of begging in Nigeria which has created a big void in the life of children of beggars. The study is restricted to the destitute centres in Imo State for proper control of the study. The children of beggars face many psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and obsessive behaviours to mention just a few. This study is guided by three research questions. The method of the study is quasi-experimental design, pre/post-test control group design. Multi-stage sample techniques are used to select 100 participants. The Intervention, Play-Therapy method is used for experimental group. The instruments for the study were Goldberg Depression Inventory by Goldberg (1993) and Beck Anxiety Inventory by Beck (1980). The statistical tool used is Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significant. The result shows that play-therapy methods significantly reduces the level of anxiety and depression of children of beggars in destitute centres in Imo State.