The impact of different types of play interventions on anxiety and depressive symptoms in children with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
J Pediatr NursJul 21, 2026 (epub)
Ying Xiao, Chengfeng Lu, Qiuyue Huang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of play interventions on anxiety and depressive symptoms in 1541 children with cancer. The findings revealed that play interventions significantly reduced anxiety (SMD = -1.84) and depressive symptoms (SMD = -1.62), highlighting their potential as effective non-pharmacological treatments in pediatric oncology.
Key findings
- Play interventions significantly reduced anxiety symptoms with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -1.84.
- Depressive symptoms were alleviated with a SMD of -1.62 through play interventions.
- Medical play showed the greatest improvement in anxiety (SMD = -1.87).
- Group play had the optimal effect on depressive symptoms (SMD = -2.09).
Why it matters
The study underscores the importance of non-pharmacological interventions in managing mental health symptoms in children with cancer, providing evidence that tailored play activities can significantly improve emotional well-being.