ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ON DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND SELF-ESTEEM OF ABUSED CHILDREN

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM
According to WHO, 40 million children of ≤15 years old are abused in a year. Child abuse is the contravention of rights and dignity of children whether it is physical, sexual, neglect or emotional, causes depression, anxiety, antisocial life, low self-esteem, destructive personality, disturbed sexual behavior and suicide. Pediatric occupational therapy plays an important role in physical, emotional, cognitiv e and sensory development of the children. This studyoutlines that Occupational Therapy interventions play significant role in reducing depression, anxiety and improving self-esteemamong children with abuse.
METHODOLOGY
It was Quasi experimental study. This study was conducted at NGOson abused children. This study carried out on 50 participants, aged 8-17 years. Pre and post evaluations and assessments with two scales were administered for 10 weeks program with Occupational Therapy interventions that has been implemented in different groups consisted of 6-7 members in group settings with art therapy
and play therapy.
RESULTS
The Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale-25 (RCADS-25) measured for anxiety and low mood to conclude for the total anxiety and total depression.