Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Ph.D. Student, Department of Psychology, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
2
Assistant Prof., Department of Psychology, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
3
Associate Prof., Department of Psychology, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
10.30495/jpmm.2025.33406.3953
Abstract
Background and purpose: Because the strengthening of three core executive functions, including working memory, response inhibition, and cognitive flexibility based on the Hall and Fong's Temporal Self-Regulation Theory, the Gettens and Gorin's Neuropsychological Model of Weight Control, and the Diamond's Theoretical Model is assumed to have the necessary ability to enhance healthy behaviors and mental health, The purpose of this research was to use this potential to design a play therapy package for obese children.
Method: In the form of a mixed plan, in the first stage, with a survey of 11 experts selected by purposive sampling method from the Society of Psychologists of the cities of Isfahan and Tehran, about the designed play therapy package by using the Content Validity Assessment Questionnaire and the Suitability Assessment of Materials Checklist, the content validity and suitability of the package were examined. In the second stage, by implementing the package in the form of a Quasi-Experimental design on 16 parent-child pairs selected by convenience sampling method from the community of referrals to Iranian Health Centers-Isfahan City, by using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and the Suitability-Acceptability Scale, the construct validity and suitability of the package were measured.
Findings: The results of this research, in the first place, indicated the desirability of the content validity and suitability of the designed package (CVI=0.88, CVR=0.89; S=1.60), from the experts' point of view, and in the second place, it showed the adequacy of the construct validity of the package through meaningful effects of its implementation on the strengthening of 3 core executive functions (P<0.05), and its suitability (S=2.85), from the participants' point of view.
Conclusion: The findings of the research, while showing the power of the play therapy package designed to influence the executive functions of obese children, indicates the possibility of using it in clinical applications by interested researchers.
Main Subjects
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