This research reports a case of 5 children whose peer relations have been
improved through a play-based cognitive restructuring program. The 5 children
with negative perception on peers were selected from children who were
referred by the class teacher for difficulties in peer relation. The program was
practised for six week, two sessions a week and a total of 12 sessions, and 70
minutes in each session, focusing on cognitive problem solving skill training,
role play, emotional education and the therapeutic factors of play such as
motivation, insight and re-experience.
Changes in peer relation were examined by testing the children before, during
and after the program using a self-reporting peer relation scale, and changes in
the children’s playing behavior were measured using a playing behavior
observation chart at every other session.
The results showed positive changes in their peer perception and peer
expectation, as well as in their peer relation, suggesting that a play-based
cognitive restructuring program brings positive changes in children’s peer
relation.