erfan yazdaniThe effect of play therapy on cancer patients | The role of play therapy in reducing stress, pain, and improving the quality of life of cancer patients
Cancer is not just a physical challenge. For many patients, especially children, psychological stress, fear, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness are even more burdensome than physical pain. In the meantime, supportive and complementary methods become important; methods that are not intended to replace medical treatment, but can make the treatment path more humane and bearable. One of these methods is play therapy; an approach that has been used for years in the field of child psychology and is now being used alongside cancer treatment.
When we talk about the impact of play therapy on cancer patients, we are not talking about simple entertainment. Play therapy is a purposeful tool that helps the patient express their feelings, cope with their fears, and regain a sense of control over their lives.
What is play therapy and how does it work?
Play therapy is a psychotherapy method that uses play as a language of communication. Especially for children who are not yet able to fully express their feelings, play becomes the safest way to talk.
In a play environment, the patient can vent their fear, anger, sadness, or even hope without judgment.
In cancer patients, play therapy is usually done with specific goals; such as reducing anxiety caused by chemotherapy, coping with pain, or psychological preparation for the difficult stages of treatment. This process is carried out under the supervision of a psychologist or trained play therapist and its form varies depending on the age and condition of the patient.
The effect of play therapy on cancer patients from a psychological perspective
One of the most important results of play therapy is the reduction of psychological stress. Anxiety, depression and fear of the future are very common in cancer patients. Play therapy helps the patient not to suppress their emotions and to discharge them in a safe way.
Many studies have shown that play therapy has a significant effect on reducing stress in cancer patients, especially in children. When a child faces his illness in the form of a game, his fear takes on a more manageable form. This is even seen in adults, especially in the form of creative games or art-based activities.
The role of play therapy in improving the quality of life of cancer patients
Quality of life is not just about longevity; it is about how the patient lives the days of treatment. Play therapy helps patients take a moment to distance themselves from suffering and have positive experiences.
This is especially important during long periods of chemotherapy, when the patient becomes mentally and physically exhausted.
The role of play therapy in improving the quality of life of cancer patients is important because it helps to reduce the feeling of being “permanently sick.” A patient is not just a medical record; they are human beings who need happiness, connection, and meaning.
The Impact of Play Therapy on Children with Cancer
Children with cancer benefit more than any other group from play therapy. For a child, hospitals, medications, and medical devices are frightening. Play therapy makes this environment more bearable.
The impact of play therapy on children with cancer includes reducing fear of treatment, increasing cooperation with the medical team, and improving mood. Through play, the child can play the role of a doctor, nurse, or even a “hero” and symbolically gain control over their condition.
Play Therapy to Reduce Chemotherapy Anxiety
Chemotherapy is one of the most difficult stages of cancer treatment. Anxiety before and after chemotherapy sessions is completely normal, but if left unchecked, it can disrupt the treatment process.
Play therapy to reduce chemotherapy anxiety helps the patient take their mind off the constant focus on pain and side effects. Even simple games, story-telling, or creative activities can reduce anxiety levels and make the treatment experience more bearable.
Does play therapy reduce pain in cancer patients?
Play therapy is not a direct treatment for pain, but it can change the patient’s perception of pain. When the mind is engaged in play, the focus on pain is reduced.
For this reason, play therapy for cancer patients’ pain is considered a supportive method, not a substitute for medication or medical treatment.
This effect is especially seen in children; Where purposeful distraction can reduce the intensity of the pain experienced.
Play Therapy Alongside Cancer Treatment; Not a Replacement, but a Complement
A common misconception is that play therapy can replace medical treatment. The truth is that play therapy is a complementary therapy.
Play therapy makes sense alongside cancer treatment, not instead of it. It helps the patient be more mentally prepared and better cooperate with the treatment process.
The Role of Play Therapy in the Mental Health of Cancer Patients
Mental health is an integral part of cancer treatment. Depression and hopelessness can even affect the body’s response to treatment.
Play therapy and the mental health of cancer patients are directly related because play provides a safe space to vent emotions and rebuild hope.
Play Therapy for Adults with Cancer
Although play therapy is more commonly known to children, adults can also benefit from it. Brain games, group activities, art therapy, and even controlled digital games are all forms of play therapy for adults.
Play therapy for adults with cancer is often used to reduce depression, loneliness, and anxiety.
Limitations and Considerations of Play Therapy for Cancer
Play therapy is not suitable for all patients and must be tailored to the individual’s physical and mental condition. Severe fatigue, acute pain, or specific medical conditions may limit its implementation.
For this reason, play therapy should be performed under the supervision of a specialist.
Play Therapy and a Sense of Control in Cancer Patients
One of the most profound psychological effects of cancer is the loss of a sense of control. The patient is suddenly thrust into a situation where decisions are often made by the doctor, the medication, and the treatment plan. This is exactly where play therapy comes in. When a patient participates in a play-based activity, even for a short period of time, they become a decision-maker again. They make choices, they direct, and they see results.
This sense of control, however small, has a big impact on the patient’s mood. Studies on the role of play therapy in the recovery of cancer patients have found that patients who feel more actively involved experience less anxiety and are more cooperative with the treatment process.
The impact of play therapy on children with cancer
For a child, cancer is not just a disease; it is a world full of fear, unknowns, and limitations that suddenly enter their lives. The hospital, injections, medication, and separation from the usual childhood environment create heavy psychological stress. In these circumstances, play therapy becomes the child’s safe language to understand and cope with what is happening.
The impact of play therapy on children with cancer is seen, first of all, in reducing fear. Through play, the child can recreate difficult experiences; for example, appearing in the role of a doctor or nurse and taking control of what was scary for him this time. This role reversal creates a sense of power and psychological security.
Play therapy also helps the child express his feelings without being forced into words. Many children cannot talk about their fear or sadness, but in drawing, puppetry, or storytelling, these feelings are clearly visible. This helps the therapist and family better understand the child’s psychological needs.
Behaviorally, play therapy can increase the child’s cooperation with the treatment process. Children who are less anxious tend to be less resistant to treatment. For this reason, play therapy for children undergoing chemotherapy is not just a supportive activity; it is part of the child’s adjustment to treatment.
Emotionally, play therapy helps the child remain “a child.” The illness should not define the child’s identity. Play, laughter, and imagination remind the child that he or she is more than a patient. This preservation of a childlike identity plays an important role in the child’s long-term mental health.
Finally, play therapy builds a bridge between the child, the family, and the treatment team. When parents participate in play, the child feels more secure and the emotional bond is strengthened. This warm connection is one of the most important factors in the resilience of children with cancer during treatment.
Play Therapy and the Patient-Family Connection
Cancer does not only affect the patient’s life; the family also experiences psychological stress. Play therapy can be a bridge between the patient and the family. When parents or family members participate in play therapy activities, a deeper emotional connection is formed.
In the case of children with cancer, play therapy is most effective in reducing the fear of children with cancer when the parents are also actively involved. The child feels that he is not alone and this companionship strengthens his psychological security.
The effect of play therapy on depression in cancer patients
Depression is a common but sometimes overlooked complication in cancer patients. Feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, and detachment from everyday life can make the treatment process more difficult.
The effect of play therapy on depression in cancer patients is important because play brings the person back to the present moment and creates small but frequent positive experiences.
These positive experiences can gradually adjust the patient’s view of himself and the future. Play therapy is not intended to eliminate sadness, but it helps the patient not to be crushed by it.
Play therapy in the hospital environment
The hospital environment is often cold, stressful, and scary; especially for children. Many cancer treatment centers have tried to humanize this space by setting up play rooms or the presence of a play therapist.
Play therapy in the pediatric oncology ward makes the hospital not just a place of pain and injections. The child learns that even in this space, it is possible to play, laugh, and remain a child. This change in perspective reduces the anxiety of long hospitalizations.
Play Therapy and Improving Sleep in Cancer Patients
Sleep disorders are another common problem in cancer patients. Anxiety, pain, and disturbing thoughts disrupt sleep at night.
Calm play-based activities, especially before bedtime, can help the patient’s mind calm down.
Play therapy to improve sleep in cancer patients usually involves low-stimulation activities, such as storytelling, quiet games, or painting. These activities give the body a calming signal and improve sleep quality.
Play Therapy and Strengthening Coping Skills
One of the important goals of play therapy is to strengthen the patient’s coping skills. In play, the patient learns to tolerate failure, try again, and find solutions. These skills are symbolically transferred to real life.
These skills are vital in the path of cancer treatment. Play therapy and rehabilitation of cancer patients is not limited to the body; The patient’s mind also needs rehabilitation to cope with the fluctuations of treatment.
The Difference Between Play Therapy and Simple Fun
One misunderstanding is that play therapy is confused with entertaining the patient. Not every game is play therapy. The main difference is in the goal setting and specialized guidance.
Play therapy is done with a specific program, psychological goal, and ongoing evaluation.
When we talk about the benefits of play therapy in cancer treatment, we mean activities that are consciously designed to reduce anxiety, improve mood, or enhance psychological adjustment.
Play therapy alongside other psychological supports
Play therapy is not usually used alone. It is most effective when used alongside individual counseling, family therapy, and social support.
Combining these methods allows the patient to receive support from multiple sources and not feel abandoned.
Play therapy as a complementary cancer treatment makes sense precisely in this context; part of a support network, not a stand-alone solution.
The Future of Play Therapy in Cancer Treatment
With the increasing attention to patients’ mental health, play therapy has become more prominent in medical centers. Today, even therapy-oriented digital games are used to reduce anxiety and pain.
This trend shows that the perspective on cancer treatment is changing; from focusing solely on the body, to simultaneously paying attention to the mind.
Summary: Why Play Therapy Matters?
The impact of play therapy on cancer patients is not limited to just a few minutes of fun. It can humanize the treatment experience, reduce anxiety, and help patients feel alive again.
In a world where cancer treatment is often accompanied by pain and stress, play therapy is a reminder that hope, connection, and joy are still possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Impact of Play Therapy on Cancer Patients (FAQ)
Does play therapy cure cancer?
No. Play therapy is not a medical treatment and does not replace chemotherapy or other treatments. It is a complementary therapy for psychological support.
Who is play therapy suitable for?
It is most often recommended for children with cancer, but adults can also benefit from it, depending on their physical and mental conditions.
Is play therapy dangerous for cancer patients?
If done under the supervision of a specialist, it is usually safe. The type of game should be in accordance with the patient’s condition.
How many sessions does play therapy last?
The number of sessions depends on the patient’s condition, age, and treatment goal, and can range from a few short sessions to longer periods.
Does play therapy reduce pain in cancer patients?
Indirectly, yes; by reducing anxiety and changing the focus of the mind, the experience of pain becomes more bearable.
Is play therapy allowed during chemotherapy?
In many cases, yes, but it should be done with the advice of the treatment team.
Article author:Erfan
