Effectiveness of an adventure-based training programme in promoting the psychological well-being of primary schoolchildren.

This study tested the effectiveness of an adventure-based training programme in promoting the psychological well-being of primary schoolchildren. A randomised controlled trial was conducted, with 56 primary school pupils randomly assigned to the experimental group participating in the adventure-based training programme and 64 to the attention placebo control group. Children in the experimental group reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms, lower anxiety levels and higher self-esteem than those in the attention placebo control group. This study provides some evidence that the adventure-based training programme is effective in promoting the psychological well-being of Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren.

Effectiveness and feasibility of using the computerized interactive virtual space in reducing depressive symptoms of Hong Kong Chinese children hospitalized with cancer.

PURPOSE. To examine the effectiveness and feasibility of using the computerized interactive virtual space in reducing depressive symptoms of children hospitalized with cancer. DESIGN AND METHODS. A nonequivalent control group design was employed. Children (8-16 years of age; n= 122) admitted to a pediatric oncology ward during a 14-month period were recruited. RESULTS. The results support the effectiveness and feasibility of using the computerized interactive virtual space in reducing depressive symptoms of children hospitalized with cancer. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. The results heighten the awareness in nurses of the importance of integrating play activities as an essential component of holistic and quality nursing care.

The effectiveness of therapeutic play, using virtual reality computer games, in promoting the psychological well-being of children hospitalised with cancer.

AIMS: To examine the effectiveness of therapeutic play, using virtual reality computer games, in minimising anxiety and reducing depressive symptoms in Hong Kong Chinese children hospitalised with cancer. BACKGROUND: There has been an increase in the use of therapeutic play intervention to help children cope with the stress of hospitalisation. However, it is not clear whether therapeutic play is an appropriate psychological intervention for Chinese children hospitalised with cancer. DESIGN: A non-equivalent control group pretest-post-test, between-subject design was employed. METHOD: Hong Kong Chinese Children (8-16 years of age), admitted to a paediatric oncology ward for the treatment of cancer during a 14-month period, were invited to participate in the study. Of the 122 children, 70 formed the control group receiving routine nursing care and 52 in the experimental group receiving therapeutic play interventions. RESULTS: The results showed that children in the experimental group reported statistically significant fewer depressive symptoms than children in the control group on day 7. The results, however, find no differences in children's anxiety scores between the two groups on day 7. CONCLUSION: The study provides empirical evidence to support the effectiveness of therapeutic play, using virtual reality computer games, in the psychological preparation of children hospitalised with cancer, thus charting a path towards promoting holistic and quality care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings heighten the awareness in healthcare professionals that play is a very important part of children's life and that they need play even when they are ill.