The Effect of Client-centered Sandplay Therapy on the Depression, Aggression and Ego Development Stage of Children in a Community Child Center

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of client-centered sandplay therapy on the depression, aggression, and ego development stage of children at a community child center. A total of 12 sessions of client-centered sandplay therapy was conducted with 11 children. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for the homogeneity test, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to verify the differences between the pretest and posttest data. The depression and aggression in SCT and HTP were examined and the statements of the children and social workers concerned were reviewed. The aspects of Kalff’s ego development stage were also analyzed. The results of the study are as follows: the depression of those who participated in the program was significantly reduced; the aggression was also significantly reduced; the children underwent three levels of ego development stage in order, and each child had a distinctive launching level and speed while undergoing the ego development stage. This study yielded evidence that the client-centered sandplay therapy was effective for children who suffered from depression or aggression.