Teddy bear power: study tests if dolls soothe anxious kids before surgery

NCT ID NCT07403773

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether bringing a personal doll or using a hospital-provided doll can lower anxiety and confusion in preschool children before and after surgery. About 120 girls aged 3-7 having their tonsils or adenoids removed will be split into three groups: one with their own doll, one with a hospital doll, and one with no doll. Researchers will measure anxiety levels and recovery confusion to see if dolls make a difference.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

doll (personal or hospital-provided)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help young children feel calmer before surgery and recover more smoothly afterward.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 120 children, so results may not apply to all kids or settings. The effect of a doll may be minimal or no better than standard care.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Emergence Delirium

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Ankara Bilkent City Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Ankara, ÇANKAYA, 06800, Turkey (Türkiye)

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••