Publication Date
4-21-2008
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Major
Psychology: Child/Adolescent Development
Primary Subject Area
Psychology, Developmental
Keywords
Imaginary Companions, Social Skills
Disciplines
Developmental Psychology
Recommended Citation
Bloom, Emily, "The Impact of Imaginary Companions on Social Development" (2008). Senior Honors Theses. 29.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/29
Abstract
The imagination and creativity of children is often puzzling to the adult mind. Pretend play and make-believe friends are often prevalent in the life of a child. Past research shows a relationship between the use of the imagination in children’s play and their social, cognitive, and emotional development. Furthermore, there are a number of gender differences in the type of imaginary play and pretend friends children create. Children of all ages reported engaging in make-believe play. Therefore, this study investigated whether children create imaginary companions as a result of their social adaptability or socially adapt in the way that they do as a result of the presence of an imaginary companion.
