The effect of filial therapy on the self efficacy and anxiety level of caregivers and behavioral problems of institutionalized children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Filial therapy on the self-effıcacy and anxiety levels of caregivers and behavioral problems of institutionalized children. This research was conducted with a sample of 21 caregivers and 3-5 year old 70 institutionalized children at Bahçelievler Şeyh Zayed Children Center. 21 caregivers and 33 children were assigned to the experimental group and 37 children to the control group. Each caregiver completed a ten week Filial therapy training program and participated in three supervision meeting and also applied ten week play sessions to the children in the experimental group. Data was obtained by using The General Self-Efficacy Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Preschool Behavior Questionnaire at pre-test, post-test and 2 months follow up intervals. The results of this study suggested that Filial therapy training program was significantly effective in increasing the self-efficacy level and decreasing the anxiety level of caregivers. It was also effective in decreasing the behavioral problems of institutionalized children. The results were discussed within the context of its theoretical background.