Children who are homeless have numerous emotional, social, behavioral, and developmental challenges. This pilot research study examined the effectiveness of child-centered play therapy on developmental and diagnostic factors in 36 elementary schoolchildren who are homeless. Results indicate statistically significant improvement in 1 of 2 developmental strands and 1 of 3 diagnostic profiles as measured by the Boxall Profile. Specifically, children who are homeless improved in internalization of controls and self-limiting features and showed positive trends in unsupported development. Effect sizes ranged from small to medium. The findings are congruent with previous research that indicates that child-centered play therapy may have a positive impact on children who are homeless and on children’s development within the classroom.
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Baggerly et al. (2009) studied this question.