Psychological Benefits Provided by Play
Freud suggested that play provides a natural mode for emotional healing. Because play episodes can be reenacted without fear of real-life consequences, children are able to test alternative responses and develop plans for coping with stressful or hurtful realities. Through the fantasy of play, children are able to stand powerful in the face of challenging situations and come away triumphant.
Play specialists suggest that play provides children with a means of coping with stress and, thereby strengthens their emotional resiliency. Play also elevates the mood and initiates a return to optimism and positive outlook (Trawick-Smith, 2010).