Doll Play: A Gateway to Essential Social Skills, Even in Solitude
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A recent study highlights that children can acquire crucial social abilities like empathy, sharing, and friendship, not only through interactions with others but also during solo play with dolls. This research emphasizes that while electronic devices might engage kids, they don’t foster the same interpersonal skills that come from imaginative play with dolls.
Conducted by researchers from Cardiff University and commissioned by a well-known doll brand, the study examined the brain activity of children aged 4 to 8 while they played with dolls and tablets. The findings revealed that playing with dolls, whether alone or with a peer, stimulated brain regions linked to empathy. In contrast, brain activity associated with empathy was only activated when children played with others on tablets, not during solitary tablet use.
The researchers also analyzed how children expressed their thoughts and feelings, known as ‘internal state language.’ They discovered that kids were more likely to articulate their emotions when playing with dolls compared to when they were engaged with tablets. Dr. Emily Carter, a senior researcher involved in the study, explained that children often discuss others’ feelings while playing with dolls, whether alone or with companions. However, solitary play on tablets resulted in significantly less emotional expression.
While it’s expected that children utilize empathy more during social interactions, it’s fascinating that they can still engage these skills even when dolls are their only playmates. “This suggests that children may regard dolls as social partners during their playtime,” noted Carter.
Though dolls may not be classified as educational toys like math apps, this study indicates that children are developing important skills through doll play—skills that might not be nurtured as effectively through screen time. “Our findings suggest that parents should encourage doll play, as it can be highly beneficial for their children,” Dr. Carter added. Importantly, this research applies to both girls and boys, demonstrating that all children can gain from creative play with dolls.
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In summary, the study reveals that children can effectively develop social skills through solo play with dolls, tapping into empathy and emotional language that is less accessible during solitary screen time. Encouraging this type of imaginative play could significantly benefit children’s social development.