The Effectiveness of Gestalt Play Therapy on Impulsivity, Adjustment, and Executive Functioning in Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Student in Curriculum Planning, Ardabil Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Department of Educational Governance and Human Capital, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.

3 PhD student in Educational Management, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Gestalt play therapy on impulsivity, adjustment, and executive functioning in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The research population consisted of all preschool-aged boys and girls with autism spectrum disorder in Bukan County. Based on the experimental research design, 30 children were selected as the sample and assigned to experimental and control groups, with 15 children in each group. The research instruments included the Patton et al. (1995) Self-Report Impulsivity Questionnaire, the Biesecker et al. (2013) Psychological Adjustment Scale, and the Coolidge et al. (2002) Executive Functioning Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance. The findings indicated that Gestalt play therapy was effective in reducing non-planning and cognitive impulsivity; accordingly, play therapy had a significant negative effect on impulsivity among preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (p<0.05). Furthermore, Gestalt play therapy was effective in improving the dimensions of experience, insight, and social integration, indicating that play therapy had a significant positive effect on adjustment among preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (p<0.05). Finally, the findings demonstrated that Gestalt play therapy had a significant positive effect on executive functioning in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (p<0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that Gestalt play therapy has a highly positive effect on impulsivity, adjustment, and executive functioning in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder and helps these children interact more effectively with their surrounding environment, strengthen their social skills, and achieve greater success in performing daily activities.

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A Review of Theorizing of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 3, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 89-102

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