A Trend analysis of Qualitative Research on Sandplay Therapy in South Korea

This study aims to analyze the trends in qualitative research on sandplay therapy conducted in South Korea from 2015 to 2024. A total of 121 academic articles and theses were selected from major databases such as RISS, and analyzed by year, publication type, research participants, themes, methodology, and number of sessions. The results show that research has steadily increased, particularly in the early 2020s. Children (33.1%) and adults (30.6%) were the most frequent participants. Major themes included self-understanding (32.3%) and trauma and abuse (15.7%), highlighting the therapeutic depth of sandplay therapy. However, methodological analysis revealed a strong reliance on case studies (91.7%), indicating a lack of diversity. This study discusses the need to address such methodological limitations by comparing domestic trends with international developments, which emphasize quantitative and neuroscientific approaches. It also points to the current divide between qualitative and quantitative research in South Korea, suggesting the need for integration. To advance academic development, the study recommends adopting diverse qualitative methods such as phenomenology and narrative inquiry, and promoting mixed-method designs that link qualitative and quantitative approaches.