Mentalization and the growth of symbolic play and affect regulation in psychodynamic therapy for children with behavioral problems

Abstract

Objective: Children with behavioral problems often have problems with symbolic play organization, specifically with the regulation of negative affect and its representation. One of the aims of psychodynamic therapy with these children is enhancing their symbolic and mentalizing capacities in play. This study investigated the associations between promoting mentalization, and the growth of symbolic play and affect regulation. Method: The sample included 48 children with behavioral problems, who underwent long-term psychodynamic treatment informed with mentalization principles, with good outcome. Three hundred twenty-nine sessions were coded for children's symbolic play and affect regulation strategies, and each treatment was rated for adherence to mentalizing principles. Results: Hierarchical linear modeling showed quadratic growth of variables, wherein symbolic play initially increased followed by a deceleration in change, whereas affect regulation initially decreased followed by an increase. Adherence to mentalizing principles was associated with both symbolic play and affect regulation. A two-way interaction between time in treatment and adherence to mentalization showed that in high adherent treatments, affect regulation increased towards the end of treatment, whereas in low adherent treatments, there was no change. Conclusion: Results show support for the association between adherence to mentalization and growth of affect regulation and symbolic play in psychodynamic therapy.