The Social By-Products of Therapy with Young Children

Abstract

Behavior observation and interpersonal analysis techniques were applied to the study of therapy and play experiences of ten young cerebral-palsied children when they first entered a treatment program. Mother-child interactions in two settings, play and therapy, were compared; mother-child and therapist-child interactions were also compared. Results suggested that the mother-child therapy interactions were especially stressful, and that mothers might benefit from help in evaluating the interpersonal aspects. Longitudinal measures will permit assessment of whether children develop broader interactive repertoires as they form relationships with adults other than mothers.