The relationship between playfulness and coping in preschool children: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE Effective play and coping skills may be important determinants of children's adaptive behavior. Play and coping have undergone extensive individual study; however, these two variables have not been explored in relationship to each other. METHOD The play behaviors of 19 randomly selected preschool children were rated by researchers using The Test of Playfulness. The children's coping skills were rated by their teachers with the Coping Inventory. RESULTS A positive, significant correlation was found between children's level of playfulness and their coping skills. Overall, girls were rated as more playful than boys and scored higher in coping skills. Younger children (36-47 months of age) were rated as better players and copers than older children (47-57 months of age). CONCLUSION This pilot study supports occupational therapy intervention in children's play environments and playful interactions as a way of influencing their adaptability in all life skills.