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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
The relationship between playfulness and coping in preschool children: a pilot study
I Saunders1, M Sayer, A Goodale
1Heritage Child Development Center, South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075, USA.
Summary
Children who engage in more playful activities also exhibit better coping skills, demonstrating a positive link between playfulness and adaptability. This finding supports using play-based interventions to enhance children's life skills.
Area of Science:
- Child development
- Occupational therapy
- Psychology
Background:
- Effective play and coping skills are crucial for children's adaptive behavior.
- While studied individually, the relationship between play and coping skills remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between children's playfulness and their coping skills.
- To understand how these two variables influence adaptive behavior.
Main Methods:
- 19 preschool children's play behaviors were assessed using The Test of Playfulness.
- Teachers rated children's coping skills using the Coping Inventory.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was observed between playfulness and coping skills.
- Girls demonstrated higher levels of playfulness and coping skills compared to boys.
- Younger children (36-47 months) showed better play and coping abilities than older children (47-57 months).
Conclusions:
- The study supports the use of occupational therapy interventions focused on play environments and interactions.
- Play-based approaches can positively influence children's adaptability across various life skills.
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