The effect of drama on psychosocial problems and emotional states of hospitalized children with cancer

Abstract

Background and purpose: Hospitalization is a traumatic experience for children. Especially in the case of childhood cancers that require long-term hospitalization, children need psychosocial support. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of drama in reducing psychosocial problems in hospitalized paediatric children diagnosed with cancer.

Methods: The study used a mixed method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods with a single group. Drama sessions prepared according to the Tasks and Skills Model were used to support their psychosocial conditions. The Facial Expression Form, The Assessment Scale for Psychosocial Symptoms in Hospitalized Children, and the Drawing and Writing Technique were used before and after the drama sessions.

Results: This study differs from others in its use of drama intervention to reduce psychosocial problems in children undergoing cancer treatment. As a result of the study, it was found that there was a decrease in anxiety, hopelessness, anger-aggression and communication difficulties among psychosocial problems and a change in mood towards feeling happy. The study suggests that drama sessions were effective in relieving emotional distress in paediatric cancer patients.

Conclusion: The study suggests that drama sessions were effective in relieving emotional distress in paediatric cancer patients.

Practice implications: Applying drama to children undergoing long-term hospital treatment can help alleviate psychosocial problems by reducing stress, emotional suppression, and compensating for trauma.

Keywords: Children with special needs; Drama; Hospitalized children; Paediatric cancer; Psychosocial problems.