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Adaptation of the Child - Parent Relationship Therapy Model for Use With Senior Citizen Volunteers in School Settings: A Pilot Study
International Journal of Play Therapy (2013)
  • Angela M Yoder, Eastern Illinois University
  • Fred Washburn, University of Iowa
  • Shannon Mills
  • Danessa Carter, Northern Illinois University
  • Brian Brausch, Western Kentucky University
  • Jiwon Lee
Abstract

This study provides a proposal for crucial volunteer services to fill the gap for overburdened school counselors when parents are unable to engage in Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), a highly effective intervention for childhood problems. CPRT has been successfully adapted for use with individuals other than the child’s parents. The researcher in this pilot study adapted CPRT for use with senior citizen volunteers who often possess untapped abilities and talents. Seniors received several weeks of training, and then met with children for 1/2 hour supervised, video-taped play sessions for several weeks. Childhood adjustment problems were assessed before and after the intervention using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher Report Form (TRF). Seniors’ responses were measured before and after with the Older Adult Self-Report and qualitative interviews. Although no significant differences were noted on pre versus posttest measures for the children (CBCL and TRF), anecdotal reports suggest potential effectiveness of this volunteer intervention for school counselors to utilize. In addition, senior citizens reported their own benefits from working with the children. Suggestions for future research in this area are offered.

Keywords
  • school-based play therapy,
  • Child-Parent Relationship Therapy,
  • senior citizens as therapeutic agents,
  • senior volunteers,
  • play therapy
Publication Date
2013
Citation Information
Angela M Yoder, Fred Washburn, Shannon Mills, Danessa Carter, et al.. "Adaptation of the Child - Parent Relationship Therapy Model for Use With Senior Citizen Volunteers in School Settings: A Pilot Study" International Journal of Play Therapy Vol. 22 Iss. 2 (2013)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/angela_yoder/2/