Pretend Play and Imaginary Companionship in Different Racial and Socioeconomic Groups

• In Event: Poster Session 03
  In Poster Session: PS 03 Topic - Cognitive Processes

Abstract

An emerging body of research has demonstrated some inconsistent class and racial differences in pretend play, but investigations of demographic variations in imaginary companion play are lacking. While some studies have found that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds demonstrate less frequent and poorer quality pretend and sociodramatic play than their middle class counterparts, others have reported no differences, indicating that further research is needed in this area (Karnik & Tudge, 2010). This retrospective study sought to investigate how race, childhood socioeconomic status, and parental play support were associated with the existence of an imaginary companion and engagement in pretend play in childhood. A self-administered online survey collected data on race, childhood financial status, childhood imaginary companion status, pretend play, and parenting from undergraduate students. Participants also provided descriptions of their childhood imaginary companions and their relationships with these invisible friends, as well as the purposes that their companions served in their lives. Childhood financial status and parental attitudes towards pretend play were positively correlated with engagement in pretend play. Imaginary companion status was not associated with race or childhood financial status, although qualitative differences by financial status were found in the functions served by participants’ imaginary companions. Black participants also reported notable differences in their descriptions of their imaginary companions. This exploratory study contributes to the growing knowledge base on the interactions between play and social context in children from underrepresented backgrounds.

Authors

• Annabelle Armah, State University of New York at Albany (SUNY Albany)
  Presenting Author

• Melissa Landers-Potts, University of Georgia
  Non-Presenting Author