Resources
Masidladle Study: Play Matters for Children in Distress
The Masidlale study found that when intentional play is introduced, it helps children in difficult situations develop positively. The study took place at two residential care homes in Gqheberha, South Africa, in 2021 and 2022. It involved 26 care professionals (Directors, Social Workers, an Auxiliary Social Worker, and Child and Youth Care Workers) and 59 children aged 8 to 12 (29 girls and 30 boys). Care professionals were interviewed online, and children completed various assessments measuring health, social, personal, and educational outcomes. The study compared outcomes in residential care homes where intentional play was implemented with those where it was not. The study has been turned into user-friendly briefs for policy-makers and practioners. You can download the documents below.
