THE IMPACT OF PLAY-BASED PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS ON REDUCING ANXIETY AND FEAR IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Abstract. Childhood anxiety and fear are significant factors affecting emotional development and academic performance. This study investigates the impact of play-based psychological interventions on reducing anxiety and fear among primary school children. A quasi-experimental design was conducted with 40 participants aged 7–10 years, divided into experimental and control groups. The intervention program included structured play therapy, group interaction exercises, and relaxation techniques over eight weeks. The findings reveal a substantial reduction in anxiety and fear levels in the experimental group, while minimal changes were observed in the control group. The study highlights the effectiveness of play-based approaches as a child-friendly and engaging method for emotional regulation. The results suggest that integrating play-based psychological strategies into educational settings can significantly enhance children's emotional well-being.