Implementation of Playdough Therapy to Reduce Anxiety Levels in Preschool Children during Hospitalization at Kendari City Public Hospital
Penerapan Terapi Bermain Plastisin untuk Menurunkan Tingkat Kecemasan Anak Usia Prasekolah Selama Hospitalisasi di RSUD Kota Kendari
Keywords:
Playdough therapy, Preschool anxiety, Hospitalization, SCAS Preschool, Sensorimotor distractionAbstract
Background: Hospitalization in preschool children (3-6 years) often induces severe anxiety due to unfamiliar environments, invasive procedures, parental separation, and disrupted routines, leading to physiological stress and treatment non-compliance. Non-pharmacological play interventions offer safe alternatives. Objective: To evaluate playdough (plasticine) therapy's effectiveness in reducing anxiety levels in a febrile preschooler hospitalized at RSUD Kota Kendari. Methods: Descriptive single-case study using nursing process approach in Mawar Ward (May 25-31, 2025). Subject: 5-year-6-month-old boy with febris. Instruments: SCAS Preschool (parent-completed), FAS, behavioral observations, parental interviews, vital signs. Intervention: 20-25 min daily guided playdough sessions (squeezing, shaping). Data triangulated via univariate descriptives and pre-post comparisons. Results: SCAS score reduced from 38 (severe anxiety) to 6 (normal), 84% decline (Δ32 points). Behaviors shifted (restlessness/crying → cooperative/cheerful); vital signs normalized (temperature 40.9°C→37.0°C, pulse 140→96 bpm, RR 40→24/min). Conclusion: Playdough therapy effectively alleviates anxiety via sensorimotor distraction, nonverbal expression, psychosocial adaptation. Suggestion: Standardize in pediatric protocols; validate via multi-site RCTs.
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