For children, imaginary play and death go together, for example, in a battle between good and evil, or between life and death (Hedegaard, 2016; Kalliala, 2005). But what is the place of imaginary play in situations where death is a real experience in a child’s life? Can the relationship to the deceased loved one take the form of play? If so, where, when, how and with whom do such playful encounters emerge, what do they mean, and what value do they bring to the players themselves? Previous research has shown that peer group activities and camps for children who have lost a loved one provide opportunities for children to “play out their grief” (Smith, 1991). Play allows children to express emotions and make sense of things they might find difficult to put into words. Through imaginary play, children can create a safe space to explore different significant life situations. Especially in the situations of loss, death, and grief, the role of an understanding adult is crucial in recognizing and facilitating such playful encounters (Smith, 1991).

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Imaginary Play in Adult–Child Interaction: Encounters with Life, Death, and Grief

  • Annukka Pursi,
  • Saila Poulter,
  • Lasse Lipponen

摘要

For children, imaginary play and death go together, for example, in a battle between good and evil, or between life and death (Hedegaard, 2016; Kalliala, 2005). But what is the place of imaginary play in situations where death is a real experience in a child’s life? Can the relationship to the deceased loved one take the form of play? If so, where, when, how and with whom do such playful encounters emerge, what do they mean, and what value do they bring to the players themselves? Previous research has shown that peer group activities and camps for children who have lost a loved one provide opportunities for children to “play out their grief” (Smith, 1991). Play allows children to express emotions and make sense of things they might find difficult to put into words. Through imaginary play, children can create a safe space to explore different significant life situations. Especially in the situations of loss, death, and grief, the role of an understanding adult is crucial in recognizing and facilitating such playful encounters (Smith, 1991).