Sandtray characteristics of schoolchildren by gender, ages seven through eleven

The purpose of this study is to describe selected sandtray characteristics 30 schoolchildren by gender, ages 7 through 11. Sandplay is a projective technique whereby an individual creates a scene using miniature figures in a tray of sand. Numerous research studies have analyzed the sandtrays of abused children, but few studies define normative Sandplay characteristics of children within certain age groups. A knowledge of Sandplay norms is essential for differentiating the sandtrays of disturbed children from undisturbed children. The prominence and toxic effects of child abuse in this country have made it necessary for nurses and other health professionals to seek better tools for identification and treatment of survivors. This study involved children who were attending an Anchorage elementary school and were identified by their teachers as being emotionally stable and well-adjusted. Each child created a sand scene during one thirty-minute Sandplay session at the school. The sand scenes were analyzed for overall number of figures used, number of vegetation figures used, and themes of aggression, domesticity, dyadic interactions/family relationships, and relating of figures to water. Comparison of the above characteristics by gender was performed using either an independent t-test or a chi-square test of association. Significant gender differences were found for aggression and dyadic interactions/family relationships themes. Aggression themes were more common among boys, and dyadic interactions/family relationships themes were more common among girls. The results of this study underscore the importance of considering age and gender factors when interpreting children's Sandplay.