Parents' attitudes toward children having imaginary companions
Date
1979
Authors
Brooks, Mackenzie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Children's involvement in fantasy behaviors, for example the creation of imaginary companions, has received attention because of its' potential as a contribution to development as well as a source of "concern" about possible complications.
There were 2 major purposes to this study. The first purpose was to determine the attitudes held by parents about their child having imaginary companions. Both fathers and mothers were included in the sample. The second purpose was to examine the popular and professional child-rearing books to determine what trend or trends of advice is given to parents about what to do if their child has an imaginary companion.
One hundred parents of 3- 5-year-old children were selected from two preschool programs and two kindergartens of public schools in the Greater Victoria area. A questionnaire instrument, Inventory of Child Behaviors, was developed for the study and administered to 30 mothers and 30 fathers. A semi-structured interview measure was also developed and administered to 20 mothers and 20 fathers.
In general, this study found the majority of parents are either neutral or slightly discouraging to situations involving children engaging in make-believe play. The results do indicate that mothers tend to show a more favorable attitude toward fantasy behavior in their child than do fathers. The survey of the child- rearing literature led to the conclusion that parents are advised to remain neutral or to encourage this type of fantasizing behavior in children.