Play2gether: Exploring Psychoeducational-Based Groups for Middle Childhood Child-Caregiver Dyads

Date of Award

Summer 8-22-2026

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Kelly Elliott

Second Advisor

Karalynn Royster

Third Advisor

Tracy Vozar

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Middle childhood, Parenting, Child development, Middle childhood aged children, Psychoeducation, Focus group

Abstract

Crucial cognitive, emotional, social, and physical advancements occur during middle childhood (ages 6 to 12 years old), yet research on this developmental period is currently lacking. Often referred to as the 'missing middle' and 'forgotten years,' the quantity of research focusing on how to promote positive development in middle childhood is sparce. Even fewer research studies focus on the perspectives of caregivers and the children themselves in terms of their perceived challenges, concerns, and needs for support during this developmental period. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore caregivers and middle childhood aged children’s key concerns, challenges, and interests related to this developmental stage. Online surveys and focus groups with caregivers and their middle childhood aged children were conducted to gain insight and perspectives related to middle childhood. Major themes which arose from focus groups with caregiver participants included parental well-being, child development, and positive parenting, while major themes from focus groups with child participants included self-development, life skills, and the parent-child relationship. Findings from this study help address the gap in current literature, provide an understanding of the perspectives of caregivers and their children, and inform the content of future interventions and programming for middle childhood aged children and families.

Copyright Date

4-24-2025

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Rights Holder

Nikki Antenucci

Provenance

Received from author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

59 pgs

File Size

486 KB

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