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Published on: May 31, 2024
Understanding Father-Child Joint Play Experience Using a Convergent Mixed-Methods Design.
Amiya Waldman-Levi1, Amber Cope2, Laurette Olson3
1Amiya Waldman-Levi, PhD, OTR/L, is Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Scholarship and Research of Occupational Therapy, Katz School of Science and Health, Yeshiva University, New York, NY; amiya.waldmanlevi@yu.edu. At the time this research was conducted, Waldman-Levi was Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY.
Fathers' supportive playfulness, not their own, is linked to child playfulness. Understanding fathers' perceptions and behaviors can enhance parent-child relationships and child development.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Parent-Child Relationships
- Play Research
Background:
- Limited research exists on father-child play characteristics.
- Insufficient description of fathers' perceptions of play's contribution to child development and the parent-child relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore associations between fathers' playfulness, their supportiveness of child playfulness, and child playfulness.
- To examine fathers' perceptions of their joint play experiences.
Main Methods:
- Convergent mixed-methods design in family homes.
- 57 father-child dyads (children aged 2-5 years) participated.
- Fathers completed questionnaires and interviews; joint play was video-recorded and scored.
Main Results:
- Fathers' own playfulness (SMAP) was not associated with child playfulness (ToP).
- Fathers' supportive behavior (PCSCP) was associated with child playfulness.
- Fathers recognized the developmental benefits of joint play for their children.
Conclusions:
- Findings link fathers' supportiveness during play to child playfulness and fathers' perceptions.
- Understanding fathers' perceptions and behaviors can improve services for children and families.
- Enhancing parent-child relationships and child development can be achieved through interprofessional work.
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