Professional paths over six decades researching and practicing play

Abstract

Reflecting on more than a half century of research and clinical practice, we focus on one feature of the human condition, our ability to engage in mental imaginative representations. Our research deals with pretend play of children, and adult thought focusing on possible worlds, potential social interactions, stream of consciousness, and planful action sequences. We point to ways research on play, imagination, and self-systems, may be incorporated into clinical practice. Two cases representing how research affected treatment in a toilet phobic child, and treatment with an adult manifesting anxiety and depression are discussed. In both cases, we highlight how the use of imagination, in particular, affected the outcomes.

Keywords:

• imagery research
• children's play
• play therapy
• self-systems

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Jerome L. Singer is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Yale University. He is a specialist in research on the psychology of imagination and daydreaming. Dr Singer has authored numerous articles on thought processes, imagery, personality, and psychotherapy as well as on children's play and the effects of television. His most recent position in the American Psychological Association has been President of Division 10, Creativity and the Arts. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. In 2008, he was awarded the Rudolf Arnheim Award from the American Psychology Association for Distinguished Contributions to the Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, and in 2009, the Paul Farnsworth Award for Lifetime Contribution and Service, Division 10, American Psychological Association.

Dorothy G. Singer is retired Senior Research Scientist, Department of Psychology, Yale University. She is also Co-Director with Jerome L. Singer of the Yale University Family Television Research and Consultation Center affiliated with the Zigler Center for Child Development and Public Policy. Dr Singer is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. Her research and publications are in the area of early childhood development, television effects on youth, and parent training in imaginative play. She received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2006, and in 2009, the Award for Distinguished Lifetime Contributions to Media Psychology from the American Psychological Association.