The socio-emotional function of make-believe play was examined by comparing the social coordination and conflict resolution of pretend versus non-pretend social play. Also, the affective themes of make-believe play were analyzed. Thirty 4 and 5 year o...
The socio-emotional function of make-believe play was examined by comparing the social coordination and conflict resolution of pretend versus non-pretend social play. Also, the affective themes of make-believe play were analyzed. Thirty 4 and 5 year old preschoolers, each paired with a self-chosen peer, were observed and videotaped during a 20-minute play session. The observation yielded the following conclusions : that make-believe play interactions were more socially coordinated than non-make-believe sequences, and that the duration of conflict in make-believe play was shorter than in non-make-believe play. The affective themes expressed in play episodes were connectedness, physical well-being, empowerment, and respect for property.