An evaluation of the effect of fairytales on anxiety in young people
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of the effect of using fairy tales in group play and creative arts therapy with poor school attendees and school refusers aged 10-16 years.
IRAS ID
104738
Contact name
Debi Maskell-Graham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
ELCAS (formerly East Lancashire Child and Adolescent Service
Research summary
This research study will consider and evaluate the effect of utilising fairytales in play and creative arts therapy with a group of six poor school attendees and school refusers aged 10-16 years old.
The aim is to identify any changes in the young person’s behaviour with regard to their anxiety levels; becoming more self aware; and being able to manage their anxieties better as a result of the group therapy sessions.
This is a mixed method case study into the relationship between the use of fairytales in group play and creative arts therapy and young people who are poor school attendees and school refusers. This research aims to redress the current lack of empirical evidence for this type of approach and run a small pilot intervention to explore the therapeutic potential of using fairytale storylines, characters and symbolism.
The study will run for a total of 15 weeks; 12 weeks for the group intervention with an individual pre-, mid- and post-intervention interview.
The group will take place as part of the researcher’s normal clinical post within the NHS.
Findings will be presented as a 12,000 word dissertation submitted to Canterbury Christ Church University in part fulfilment of MA Practice-based Play Therapy.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0318
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion