PLAY THERAPY: PLAYING IN THE HOSPITAL AND CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

The study aimed to understand the experience of hospitalized children and adolescents about play therapy actions carried out in the context of hospitalization and their perspective on mental health and psychosocial care. This is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory research, carried out in a university hospital between September and November 2024. The sample consisted of nine children and adolescents, aged 10 to 14 years, hospitalized in the hospital's pediatric clinic. For data collection, playful approaches were used, such as board games and an adapted digital game, the interviews recorded in audio were later transcribed. Data analysis was carried out by the thematic analysis of Minayo (2014), complemented by Field Diary records. The results demonstrated that, despite the recognized benefits of play therapy in child hospitalization, its implementation still faces significant challenges for the health team. Only two of the nine participants reported having participated in playful activities while hospitalized, evidencing the predominance of a biomedical model that prioritizes clinical aspects to the detriment of psychosocial needs. Interactions with the health team were described as "tedious" and "time-consuming", highlighting the lack of a humanized and interactive approach. The absence of recreational activities contributed to feelings of monotony, isolation, and anxiety among patients. On the other hand, children who had access to playful activities reported more positive experiences, with an increased sense of protagonism, greater expression of joy and reduced levels of anxiety and boredom. In addition, through the testimonies, an excessive use of electronic devices during the hospitalization period was observed as the main form of distraction, which can negatively impact the mental health and emotional development of pediatric patients. Play therapy is considered to play a key role in the humanization of pediatric care, promoting emotional well-being and socialization. However, the lack of trained professionals and the scarcity of resources compromise its applicability. The study suggests the need for greater investment in the practice of play therapy as an essential part of the humanization of children's hospital care.