The Effects of Jungian Sandplay Therapy on the Psychological Health of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies

Ttofa, J, Lancaster, L, Blundell, P ORCID: 0000-0003-4392-0600, Pike, O, Van Hout, MC and Silverio, SA (2026) The Effects of Jungian Sandplay Therapy on the Psychological Health of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 26. pp. 1-12. ISSN 1473-3145

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Abstract

Sandplay therapy is a globally utilised depth-oriented psychotherapy method that has expanded substantially over the past 15 years, reaching beyond Western contexts into Asia and Latin America. Grounded in a non-verbal and non-directive approach, sandplay is particularly valuable in therapeutic work with children, as well as individuals facing trauma, distress, disabilities, and displacement. While sandplay therapy continues to gain recognition, its research evidence remains less extensive than that of more established therapies. The aim of this systematic review was to compile and critically evaluate the existing empirical evidence on the efficacy of Jungian sandplay therapy in supporting the psychological health of children and adolescents, with a particular focus on trauma-related outcomes. Systematic searches across major databases and additional sources identified 1,189 records, of which 27 studies from eight countries met inclusion criteria. Findings provide evidence for the efficacy of sandplay therapy in improving psychological health, including emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, and mental health and wellbeing. Further research using robust designs is recommended to strengthen the evidence base and clarify its effectiveness in trauma-focused interventions.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1701 Psychology; 4409 Social work; 5203 Clinical and health psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Divisions:	Psychology (from Sep 2019)
Publisher:	Wiley
Date of acceptance:	6 June 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	19 June 2026
Date Deposited:	19 Jun 2026 13:10
Last Modified:	19 Jun 2026 13:10
DOI or ID number:	10.1002/capr.70163
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28869

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