International Research Journal of Education and Technology

Hospitalization can be a distressing experience for children, significantly affecting their psychological well-being. The unfamiliar hospital environment, separation from caregivers, painful medical procedures, and restricted mobility often lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and fear in pediatric inpatients. If not addressed effectively, these emotional disturbances can result in behavioral issues, delayed recovery, and long-term psychological consequences. Play therapy has emerged as an essential intervention in pediatric healthcare settings, serving as a therapeutic tool that helps children cope with stress, express emotions, and build resilience. This review explores the role of play therapy in supporting the psychological health of pediatric inpatients, examining its benefits, different therapeutic techniques, and the role of nurses and caregivers in its implementation. The article also highlights the challenges in integrating play therapy into hospital settings and provides strategies for overcoming these barriers. Through a literature-based analysis, this article emphasizes the need for structured play interventions as an integral part of pediatric nursing care, ensuring holistic well-being for hospitalized children.

Keywords: Play therapy, psychological well-being, pediat