International Journal of Play Therapy, Vol 35(1-2), Jan-Apr 2026, 1-16; doi:10.1037/pla0000250
The present meta-analytic study examined the overall effectiveness of child-centered play therapy (CCPT) and child–parent relationship therapy (CPRT) for children experiencing internalizing problems. After conducting a comprehensive literature search and review, 25 studies published between 2000 and 2023 met the inclusion criteria. Final analysis included 28 individual effect sizes using a random-effects model to determine the overall effect size for six analyses that included CCPT/CPRT combined between, CCPT/CPRT combined within, CCPT between, CCPT within, CPRT between, and CPRT within. Moderating variables included gender, age, ethnicity, and number of CCPT sessions. CCPT and CPRT effect sizes were statistically significant and ranged from small to large effects. Results support the use of CCPT and CPRT with children for the reduction of internalizing problems. Procedures and results, including the coding process, limitations, and implications, are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)