Experiences of Emotional Healing After Figurines Intervention in Rural Thai Primary School Children: A Mixed-method Study

Authors

1 Department of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Excellence Center of Community Health Promotion, Walailak University, Thailand

2 School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA

10.30476/ijcbnm.2025.108099.2869

Abstract

Background: Early emotional difficulties, even when not clinically diagnosed, may affect children’s
social and academic development. Emotional healing can enhance children’s emotional awareness and
coping skills, potentially preventing future mental health issues. This study aimed to explore the lived
experiences of emotional healing after figurines intervention in rural Thai primary school children.
Methods: This study employed a mixed-method research design, including two parts: first, a pre- and
post-test design, and second, a descriptive phenomenological approach. It was conducted from March
to May 2025 at a rural primary school in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand.
22 students who met the criteria for mild to moderate depressive symptoms based on the Patient Health
Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) 9 scores participated in a school-based healing program using
miniature figurines; nine of them who completed the program were purposively selected with parental
consent to share their experiences through semi-structured individual interviews. Data were thematically
analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method, and saturation was reached when no new themes
emerged.
Results: PHQ-A mean scores for the 22 participants decreased from pre-test (10.05±2.87) to post-test
(4.09±1.41), (P=0.01). PHQ-A mean scores for the 9 students in the qualitative study decreased from
pre-test (10.78±2.33) to post-test (3.33±0.87), (P=0.08). The qualitative findings were consistent with
healing and showed a decrease in PHQ-A scores. The healing stories of 9 Thai school children showed
awakening self-awareness, emotional healing, and developing personal growth.
Conclusion: The figurine intervention promotes emotional self-exploration, which can increase selfconfidence
in emotion management and build resilience in Thai school children.

Keywords

International Journal of Community Based Nursing & Midwifery
Volume 13, Issue 4 - Serial Number 52
October 2025
Pages 258-273

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics