Reducing anxiety in children and parents before surgery using therapeutic play

The Efficacy of Bubble Breathing Play Therapy and Tell-show-do Play Therapy in the Preoperative Anxiety Children and Their Parent

NA · Isparta University of Applied Sciences · NCT05540041

This study is testing two types of play therapy to see if they can help reduce anxiety in children and their parents before surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment210 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorIsparta University of Applied Sciences (other)
Locations1 site (Antalya, Antalya/Merkez)
Trial IDNCT05540041 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two therapeutic play interventions, bubble breathing play therapy and tell-show-do play therapy, in reducing preoperative anxiety among children aged 5-12 and their parents scheduled for elective surgery. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, it will involve 105 participants divided into three groups: one receiving bubble breathing therapy, another receiving tell-show-do therapy, and a control group with no intervention. Data will be collected using validated anxiety scales to assess the impact of the interventions on both children and parents.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 5-12 scheduled for elective surgery and their parents who can understand and speak Turkish.

Not a fit: Patients who have a diagnosed anxiety disorder or those using other distraction techniques may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce anxiety levels in children and their parents during the preoperative process, leading to improved surgical experiences.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that therapeutic play interventions can effectively reduce anxiety in pediatric surgical settings, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being a child between the ages of 5-12 for which a surgical operation is planned
* Being the parent of a child between the ages of 5 and 12 whose surgical operation is planned
* Not having vision, hearing or speech problems
* Not have a mental or neurological disability
* Not being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder
* Children and parents who can speak and understand Turkish will be included in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Change in surgical operation date
* Using another distraction technique

Where this trial is running

Antalya, Antalya/Merkez

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Preoperative Care, Child, Parents, Anxiety

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.