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Children creating imaginary worlds tend to be more creative: A new study
20.07.2023 14:50
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:24
If your child imagines new worlds and parallel universes when playing, it might be a sign of its creativity and good brain development.
New research suggests that a larger percentage of children than previously believed engage in the creation of imaginary parallel worlds, either alone or with friends.
Let's find out more!
A study on imaginary worlds
Two separate studies focused on children aged 8 to 12 years old and found that approximately 17 percent of them described imaginary worlds with intricate complexities.
Lead author Marjorie Taylor, a psychology professor emeritus at the University of Oregon, asserts that creating such paracosms is a positive behavior associated with creativity and storytelling, contrary to earlier beliefs that considered it rare.
The research team, composed of five members, published their findings in the journal Child Development.
While earlier studies relied on adult memories, this study examined children directly, revealing a significant relationship between the creation of imaginary friends and the development of paracosms.
Why is it important
The study emphasizes that the prevalence of these imaginative behaviors challenges the perception of their rarity and highlights their importance in fostering creativity and social interaction among children.
