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Latest Research Results

Our third research report is based upon the total dataset held in SEPACTO, the UK’s database of play therapy clinical outcomes, developed and managed by PTUK. It includes cases covered in previous reports.

Changes in Pro-Social Scores

The results for the pro-social domain are again almost identical to our previous findings: 65% positive change of which 45% is significant, 23% no change, 9% marginally worse and 3% significantly worse.

We have another batch of cases to enter into the system and we will be publishing these in the Autumn.

Gender

The clients are two thirds boys, one third girls. This proportion is remarkably consistent during the five years we have been recording data.

Age

The figures show that:

  • The majority of clients being of primary school age.
  • However some play therapists work with young people

Type of Intervention

This is a new analysis for us and is thought provoking. Because of budget pressures we would expect short term work to be the main type. It is also surprising that group work is not used more.

Changes in Total Difficulties

The total difficulties positive change at 77% (61% clinically significant) is in line with our previous findings and gives us more confidence in claiming that PTUK members should be able to alleviate emotional, behaviour and mental health problems in three quarters of referrals overall.