The Effect of Physical Play Experiences on Early Childhood Non-Cognitive Skills Development

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that the acquisition of non-cognitive skills is affected by physical play experiences in early childhood. Research reports from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development state that the development of non-cognitive skills is affected by factors such as the quality of care and play experiences in early childhood. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding this hypothesis. To provide concrete evidence on how non-cognitive skills develop, this cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted. First, a questionnaire survey was conducted with university students and structural equation modeling was used to study the effect physical play experiences in early childhood had on non-cognitive skills in university, as represented by the Big Five personality traits. Second, to examine the perceived benefits of physical play experiences, participants were asked to write freely about their autobiographical memories of physical play experiences in early childhood. The narratives were visualized through co-occurring network analyses with text mining using KH Coder. The results showed a correlation between sufficiently rich physical play experiences in early childhood and the adult personality trait of attachment. Additionally, a correlation between personality traits and the quantity and quality of the subjective benefits of physical play experiences was observed. These findings imply the importance of physical play experiences during early childhood as the determinants of the development of non-cognitive skills.

Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic Status and Physical Play on Early Childhood Development

“…Physical play is a critical component of early childhood development, as identified in recent studies (Sincovich, Gregory, Harman-Smith, & Brinkman, 2020; [17] Suzuki, 2020; [20] Prins, van der Wilt, van Santen, van der Veen, & Hovinga, 2022). [15] Such play-based activities equip children with indispensable motor, cognitive, and socioemotional skills, serving as the bedrock for their holistic growth and development (Undiyaundeye, 2013).…”

Effect of Exercise Using an Exoskeletal Hip-Assist Robot on Physical Function and Walking Efficiency in Older Adults

“…Physical activity and exercise are recommended strategies to mitigate age-related declines in gait and physical function in older adults [8,9]. Participation in physical activities and exercise can help with improving or maintaining physical function and overall health and reducing falls among elderly adults, particularly those with morbidities [10,11]. Physical activity and exercise are also associated with improved mental health, delayed onset of dementia, and improved quality of life and well-being [12,13].…”