<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The aim of this paper is to weigh the empirical and hypothetical evidence to assess the claim that imaginative play supports the acquisition and development of social and emotional competence. We analyse children’s play and social skills using a development-based perspective. On this basis, we describe the developmental trajectories of imaginative play and the components of socio-emotional competence during childhood, especially in the pre-school period. In addition, we review the research literature on the possible link between imaginative play and creativity in children, and on how this type of play is predictive of later life creativity. Finally, we discuss hypothetical mechanisms that may account for the relationship between imaginative play and social competence in the preschool years and beyond.</p></abstract>

The aim of this paper is to weigh the empirical and hypothetical evidence to assess the claim that imaginative play supports the acquisition and development of social and emotional competence. We analyse children’s play and social skills using a development-based perspective. On this basis, we describe the developmental trajectories of imaginative play and the components of socio-emotional competence during childhood, especially in the pre-school period. In addition, we review the research literature on the possible link between imaginative play and creativity in children, and on how this type of play is predictive of later life creativity. Finally, we discuss hypothetical mechanisms that may account for the relationship between imaginative play and social competence in the preschool years and beyond.

Potential Mechanisms Underlying the Impact of Imaginative Play on Socio-Emotional Development in Childhood

Creativity. Theories – Research - Applications

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

The aim of this paper is to weigh the empirical and hypothetical evidence to assess the claim that imaginative play supports the acquisition and development of...

Potential Mechanisms Underlying the Impact of Imaginative Play on Socio-Emotional Development in Childhood

Published Online: Sep 25, 2018

Page range: 84 - 103

Received: May 10, 2018

Accepted: Aug 28, 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ctra-2018-0006

Keywords
Children’s creativity Imaginative play Socio-emotional competence Preschool children

© 2018 Dorota M. Jankowska, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Potential Mechanisms Underlying the Impact of Imaginative Play on Socio-Emotional Development in Childhood

Published Online: Sep 25, 2018

Page range: 84 - 103

Received: May 10, 2018

Accepted: Aug 28, 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ctra-2018-0006

KeywordsChildren’s creativity Imaginative play Socio-emotional competence Preschool children

© 2018 Dorota M. Jankowska, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Keywords
Children’s creativity Imaginative play Socio-emotional competence Preschool children