Poppe as terapeutiese hulpmiddel met die kinderkliente in die maatskaplike werk.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to develop a process according to which dolls, puppets and anatomically correct dolls can be used therapeutically. In order to achieve this, four objectives were aimed at, namely: to examine the characteristics and the needs of the pre-school child; to describe the therapeutic task of the social worker concerning the three-to-six year old; to give an explanation of the possible ways in which dolls could be used in play therapy; and to examine the therapeutic value of doll play scientifically by using the experimental design. A literature study dealing with the development of the pre-school child was undertaken focusing on the child's unique needs and characteristics. The study also addressed the therapeutic use of dolls, studying the appearance as well as the uses of the dolls. The empirical study focused on the effect dolls had on the social and emotional development of the pre-school child. The research was done at the Promosa Nursery School where forty-seven youngsters were divided into pairs from which eight pairs were selected by a random test. After thi s the selected pairs were randomly paired into an experimental and a control group. Only the experimental group was subjected to six sessions of doll play therapy. After the sessions had taken place the social and emotional growth of the experimental group was statistically measured against that of the control group. From the literature study it was clear that the pre-school child was characterised by needs and problems of his own. It was established that social help should be adapted to suit the needs of the child. From the empirical study is was concluded that dolls, when used according to the social process, contributed to the social and emotional development of the pre-school child .