Therapeutic play and cooperation of preschoolers during physical examination

This experimental study investigated therapeutic play as a method to promote cooperation during physical examinations of preschool children. The theoretical framework was based on Piaget's (1936/1952) theory of play which indicated that accommodation and assimilation can be accomplished through the medium of play. Data were collected at two preschool daycare centers from a sample of 37 children, 41 to 60 months of age. The experimental group of 18 subjects received a therapeutic play session with physical examination equipment prior to receiving a physical examination. The 19 subjects in the control group received no preparation prior to the physical examination. Cooperation scores were determined by the Child Cooperation Rating Scale. There was no significant difference between the scores of the two groups. However, the experimental group which had no reported previous play with physical examination equipment scored higher than the control group having no reported previous play.