This study aimed at examining the effects of a play-based sociability enhancement program on the peer relationships of children from low income female-headed families. The subjects of this study were composed of first through third year elementary sch...
This study aimed at examining the effects of a play-based sociability enhancement program on the peer relationships of children from low income female-headed families. The subjects of this study were composed of first through third year elementary school students from female-headed families living in ○○ female-headed family shelter in ○○-gu, Daegu metropolitan city. Out of 18 students who, the teacher said, had trouble building and maintaining peer relationships, 6 students whose teacher-rated social skill scores were within the lowest 33% were selected as the subjects. They were divided into an experimental group and a control group, each containing 3 students. The following research questions were addressed: First, does the play-based sociability enhancement program improve the peer relationships of children from low income female-headed families? Second, does the play-based sociability enhancement program improve the peer relationship behaviors of children from low income female-headed families? The program focused on leading children to perceive themselves positively and to develop social skills they needed when building relationships with others. Besides, utilizing the therapeutic factors of play, the program was composed to reflect the features of the elementary school students of female-headed families. The program consisted of a total of 12 sessions which were held twice a week. Each session was composed of relaxing activity(15minutes), discussion(5minutes), structured activity(30minutes), and discussion(10minutes).
Changes in the peer relationships of children from low income female-headed families were examined through the comparison of self-rated peer relationship scores and teacher-rated peer relationship scores gained from tests taken before and after the program and a follow-up test. And during sessions, the way children played freely and interacted with peers were videotaped and their interactions with peers were recorded using play behavior observation record. In order to examine changes in the peer relationship behaviors of children during sessions, the researcher watched the recorded videotape and described changes in children's behaviors according to social skill behavior scale.
The results of this study were as follows:
First, the play-based sociability enhancement program improves the peer relationships of children from low income female-headed families.
Second, the play-based enhancement training program improves the peer relationship behaviors of children from low income female-headed families.
In conclusion, as this study involved only a few students, it is not appropriate to generalize the results of this study. This study, however, found that the play-based sociability enhancement program is effective in improving the peer relationship of children from low income female-headed families.