Experimental: Experimental condition cognitive behavioral play intervention CBPI

In the CBPI condition, children are given dolls and miniature props to play with, aiming to promote positive thinking. Each session includes stories on health, emotional well-being, social activities, and school life. The researcher teaches problem-solving by modeling steps like identifying the problem, generating solutions, evaluating them, and choosing the best solution. In each session, the researcher models the process four times and makes positive affirmations.~The CBPI intervention and the free play control condition are similar, with both groups engaging in pretend play. The researcher uses standardized prompts and spends equal time and attention with each child. The key difference is that in the CBPI intervention, the researcher uses dolls to model positive thinking and problem-solving, while encouraging children's imagination and emotional expression. Techniques from play therapy are used to help children integrate their feelings into the stories

No_intervention: control condition of free playFP

The free play (FP) control condition allows the researcher to assess the effects of pretend play and provide positive attention to children. Children in this condition receive the same dolls and props, and hear the same stories as those in the cognitive-behavioral play intervention. After each story, they are encouraged to create their own story, but are free to play as they wish, often engaging in play unrelated to the story prompt. The researcher follows the child's lead, offering positive attention and non-specific praise but does not guide the play. The main difference between the two conditions is that in the FP condition, the researcher provides attention without directing the play, while in the intervention condition, the researcher actively guides the child's play to model problem-solving and positive thinking.