Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
European Conference on Developmental Psychology, Vilniaus, Litvanya, 25 - 29 Ağustos 2025, (Yayınlanmadı)
Picky eating behavior and food refusal in children are often linked to parent-child relationships and parental control. Child-centered play therapy helps children gain autonomy and express their feelings through play. This case study examines a 2.5-year-old child undergoing play therapy to address persistent eating difficulties. The child was referred to therapy due to significant food selectivity and strong resistance during mealtimes. Parents reported that the child refused certain foods entirely, exhibited tantrums when pressured, and that mealtimes had become stressful for the family. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of play therapy, particularly sand tray therapy, in improving eating behaviors and reducing anxiety around food.
The intervention included eight weekly play therapy sessions using child-centered play therapy, sensory play, sand tray therapy, and role-playing games related to food. Sand tray therapy provided a safe, non-verbal outlet for the child to express emotions and anxieties. Additionally, parental guidance was provided through interviews. Data were collected via parental interviews, observational notes, and progress tracking of the child's eating behaviors.
Initially, the child was reluctant to engage in food-related play, but sand tray therapy allowed emotional expression and facilitated gradual comfort with the therapeutic process. Over time, the child showed reduced resistance to eating and began accepting new foods. A key factor in this progress was the parents’ increased flexibility and reduced pressure during feeding. By the final sessions, the child demonstrated more positive emotions toward food and mealtimes.
This case highlights the effectiveness of play therapy, particularly sand tray therapy, in addressing eating difficulties in young children. Play-based interventions combined with parental guidance, can help reduce mealtime stress and encourage a more positive feeding experience.