ERIC Number: EJ1398699
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1938-0399
EISSN: EISSN-1938-0402
Dark Play and Children's Dyadic Constructions of Self and Other
Chang-Kredl, Sandra; Mamlok, Dan; Venkatesh, Vivek
American Journal of Play, v15 n2 p158-178 2023
The authors explore children's symbolic play that involves themes of fear and darkness, and they investigate the nature of children's binary oppositions, particularly between self and other. Their account is based on a year-long qualitative study they conducted with seven children, four to ten years of age. They observed the children engage with play materials, including toys and dolls, at home and on virtual sites such as "Roblox." The play episodes they analyze highlight children's dyadic roles and scenarios and the pleasure of their play involving themes of fear. The authors also address the media and cultural representations that provide roles and narratives for the children to extend this dark play.
Descriptors: Play, Fear, Young Children, Preadolescents, Toys, Role, Psychological Patterns, Mass Media Effects, Cultural Influences, Imagination, Video Games
The Strong. One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607. Tel: 585-263-2700; e-mail: info@thestrong.org; Web site: https://www.museumofplay.org/journalofplay/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A