IMPLEMENTASI PENERARAPAN TERAPI BERMAIN PUZZLE DALAM MENGURANGI TINGKAT KECEMASAN AKIBAT HOSPITALISASI PADA ANAK USIA PRASEKOLAH DI RSI KENDAL

Hospitalization is a crisis situation for a child when they are sick and need to be treated in a hospital. The anxiety condition in preschool-aged children undergoing hospitalization is a serious issue that requires special attention. To reduce children's anxiety, puzzle play therapy can be provided. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of puzzle play therapy on reducing anxiety levels due to hospitalization in preschool-aged children, specifically those aged 3-6 years old. The research method utilized a descriptive method design from case studies involving two preschool-aged respondents experiencing anxiety, implementing three sessions of therapy. Anxiety levels were observed before and after puzzle play therapy. The results indicate that anxiety levels in preschool children decreased after the implementation of puzzle play therapy for three days, using observation sheets and the SCAS (Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale) questionnaire as instruments. In conclusion, play therapy is a helpful intervention in reducing anxiety levels in preschool-aged children (3-6 years old) undergoing hospitalization.