The Inhibition of Pretend Play and Its Implications for Development

Abstract

Four kinds of pretend-play inhibition, noted in children from 3-9 years of age, are described. These include: (a) nonresolution of negative affective experience through pretend activity, but maintenance of symbolic representation; (b) noncoordination and disorganization of play objects and activities; (c) perseveration of activity and repetition of single schemes, and (d) global inhibition of pretend play. Based on available literature, hypotheses are proposed regarding potential causes and developmental sequelae of pretend-play difficulties, in both cognitive and socioaffective realms. Implications of these observations for examining the relation between affectivity and the development of symbolic cognitive structures are disussed.

Assessment of a Cooperative-Creative Program of Assertive Behavior and Self-Concept

“…The results obtained on evaluating this program are consistent with various investigations concerning children's play (Bay-Hinitz et al, 1994;Eisert & Lamorey, 1996;Fisher, 1992;Garaigordobil, 1992aGaraigordobil, , 1992bGaraigordobil, , 1995aGaraigordobil, , 1995bGaraigordobil & Echebarria, 1995;Garaigordobil et al, 1996;Gordon, 1993;Göncü, 1993;Grineski, 1991;Orlick 1978aOrlick , 1978bOrlick , 1981Vygotsky, 1933Vygotsky, /1982. This research, following the trend of similar studies, points out that a friendly, non-competitive game program promoting creativity in the context of cooperative interactions, can provide important benefits for a child's personal and social development.…”

“…widí various investigutions cooceroiog cbildroo's play (Bay-Hioitz ot al., 1994;Eiser¡ & Lanorey, 1996;Fisher, ¡992;Garaigordobil, 1992aGaraigordobil, , 1992bGaraigordobil, , 1995aGaraigordobil, . 1995bGaraigordobil & Ecliebarria, >995;Garaigordobil ct al., 1996;Gordon, 1993;Gdncii. 1993;Grioeski, 1991;Crlick 1978aCrlick , 197gb, 1981Vygo¡sky, 1933Vygo¡sky, /1982.…”

“…1995b, Garaigordobil & Echebarria, 1995, Garaigordobi), Maganto. & Etxeberria, 1996 Cdncú, 1993;Gordon, 1993;Grineski, 1991;Levy. Wolfgang.…”

“…Research in this field is based on studies that have pointed out the positive effects of play on child development. During the last decades, numerous investigations from various theoreticalmethodological approaches have analyzed the relations between play and integral child development, concluding that play is a vital activity of great importance to human development (Bunker, 1991;Bruner, 1983;Eisert & Lamorey, 1996;Fisher, 1992;Gabbard, 1995;Garaigordobil, 1990, 1992a, 1992b, 1995a, 1995b, Garaigordobil & Echebarria, 1995, Garaigordobil, Maganto, & Etxeberria, 1996Göncü, 1993;Gordon, 1993;Grineski, 1991;Levy, Wolfgang, & Koorland, 1992;Patrick, 1996;Pellegrini, 1987Pellegrini, , 1988Pellegrini, , 1989Pellegrini & Galda, 1993;Terr, 1990).…”

Expanding the definitional criteria for imaginative play: Contributions of sociocultural perspectives

“…Also, young children represent their experiences of sadness, disappointment, and loss in their play (Clark, 2003). This is true for both typically developing children as well as those who have experienced emotional trauma and/or are diagnosed with emotional difficulties (Gordon, 1993).…”