Ryabkova, I.A.
Federal Scientific Center of Psychological and Multidisciplinary Research
Sokolova, S.P.
Moscow State University of Psychology and Education
Lvova, N.V.
Federal Scientific Center of Psychological and Multidisciplinary Research, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education
Abstract
Background. Despite the development of the concept of play in cultural-historical and activity theory, the issues of playing at an early age remain poorly understood. The present work is aimed at filling this gap.
Objectives. To study the acceptance of a make-believe situation by children of 1.5–3 years old.
Study Participants. 29 children: 16 boys (55%) and 13 girls (45%), 1.5–4 years old (from 18 months to 48 months; M = 27.5, SD = 7.86). 181 video cases, including 157 free plays at home, 24 videos with an experimental situation.
Methods. Structured video observation of free play and play in an experimental situation; questioning of parents.
Results. A number of play actions (mainly related to speech) are less common in play of children by 1.5–3 years old than in play of children by 3 to 4 years old; they also have less variety of play actions. At the same time, children by 1.5 to 3 years old use object substitution, act in accordance with a make-believe situation, use role-play talk and role-play dialogues, are capable of play interaction and initiative in play actions. The number of play activities a child performs is related to his/her speech development and to how much support his/her pretend play is provided by his/her close adults.
Conclusions. The main criterion of pretend play is a make-believe situation, which is observed in the play of young children. Therefore, a pretend role play (with a make-believe situation) can be presented as a single line of development throughout early and preschool age. At the same time, an adult has a significant influence on the emergence and development of play in a child of 1.5 to 3 years old, therefore, it is extremely important to involve adults caring for young children in the space of joint play with the child.
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To cite this article:
Ryabkova, I.A., Sokolova, S.P., Lvova, N.V..
Pretend Play: Young Children’s Acceptance of a Make-Believe Situation. // National Psychological Journal
2025. 4. Pages33-45. doi: 10.11621/npj.2025.0403
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