Mohammad Samadi - Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran
Mahasa Rasouli - Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology, Azad University, Tehran West Branch, Tehran, Iran.
Gholamreza Zare - Master's Degree in Educational Sciences - Curriculum Planning, South Tehran Payam Noor University Tehran, Iran

Background: The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of creativity-based play therapy on reducing pain intensity and behavioral problems of hospitalized children. Method: This research uses a semi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population includes all ۴-۶-year-old children hospitalized in the pediatric surgery department of Imam Hossein (AS) and Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan. ۳۰ children were randomly selected and fifteen were placed in two experimental and control groups. The tools used in this research include cognitive-behavioral avoidance questionnaire and pain measurement scale checklist. The analysis of the obtained data was done using covariance analysis. Results: The results indicate that creativity-based play therapy has a significant effect on reducing pain intensity and behavioral problems of hospitalized children. Conclusion: Based on this, creativity-oriented play therapy can play an important role in reducing pain intensity and behavioral problems of hospitalized children and can be effectively used in psychological interventions for children.

Creativity-Based Play Therapy, Pain Intensity, Children's Behavioral Problems, Hospitalized Children.