Abstract
This study examines the effectiveness of play therapy in reducing tantrum behavior among early childhood students at an Early Childhood Education (PAUD) institution in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. A quasi-experimental approach with a onegroup pretest-posttest design was employed. The participants consisted of 12 children aged 4–6 years exhibiting high levels of tantrum behavior. Data were collected through structured observations, a tantrum rating scale (measuring frequency, intensity, and duration), and documentation. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and a paired sample t-test at a significance level of $\alpha = 0.05$. The results reveal a significant reduction in tantrum behavior following the intervention. Descriptive analysis showed the mean tantrum score decreased from 3.42 (high category) to 2.01 (low–moderate category). Inferential analysis indicated a significant difference between pretest and posttest scores ($t = 9.27$; $p < 0.05$), with a very large effect size (Cohen’s $d = 3.57$). Empirically, children demonstrated reduced frequency and intensity of tantrums and an improved ability to express emotions adaptively. These findings suggest that play therapy is an effective intervention within early childhood guidance and counseling services to support emotional regulation. While tantrums were not entirely eliminated, they were reduced to developmentally appropriate levels. Consequently, the systematic integration of play therapy into early childhood education is highly recommended.