Understanding Child Adjustment Through Play: Lessons from The Art of the Relationship and Moustakas' Research

Play Therapy Podcast

In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I continue our Summer School Series by diving into a unique section from Garry Landreth's The Art of the Relationship, focusing on Moustakas' research about the differences in play between adjusted and maladjusted children. We explore how adjusted children tend to be more conversational, spontaneous, and exploratory in their play, while maladjusted children may be either overly silent or excessively talkative and exhibit cautious, deliberate behavior. This research also highlights how maladjusted children often prefer to be told what to do, and their play is more likely to be destructive and aggressive.

I discuss the importance of recognizing these behaviors in your sessions and how understanding the quantity and intensity of negative attitudes, rather than their mere presence, can help assess a child's level of adjustment. This episode is a reminder of the value of revisiting foundational texts in child-centered play therapy, as they provide deep insights into the nuances of children's behaviors. As we near the end of the Summer School Series, I'm encouraged by the feedback and thrilled that so many of you are finding these readings valuable in your practice.

Episode Reference: Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge.

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Common References: Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley. VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press. Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group. Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.