Play Theories

TR1070

Surplus energy

Burn up excess/pent up energy. Dramatization of adult activities “predatory instincts”.

Instinct-Practice theory/Practice for Adulthood

Based on Darwin and natural selection, doesn’t help explain past childhood play. Play helped animals by allowing them to practice and perfect skills for adult life.

Catharsis theory

Way of purging bottled up hostile/aggressive emotions. Emotional relief. Ex. being a little hostile while playing (pushing someone hard when playing tag).

Re-creation theory/Relaxation theory

Play provides a way of renewing energy. Play recharges one’s energy for work. Play as a reward for work. ex. professional sports player, golf work outings.

Recapitulation

A person’s development reflects the process of evolution. Children are a link in the evolutionary chain.

Cognitive development

Play that aids in intellectual development. Sensorimotor play, symbolic play, games of contraction, and play with rules. Fits into most types for play for kids & adults.

Task compensation/Task generalization

Generalization- things we enjoy spill over from work to play. Ex. computer programmer comes home to design/make a game

Compensation- to fulfill need snot met a work. Ex. person has a desk job, but enjoys to run after work.

Stimulus-Arousal theory

Play serves to create drives and tensions to get a sense of arousal and emotional release. Ex. riding a rollercoaster

Compentence-Effectance theory

Play is motivated by the need of the player to test their environment, solve problems, and gain a sense of mastery and accomplishment. Curious by nature, something out of wonder. Ex. trying to climb new things.

Level 1 of Nash’s pyramid

Entertainment, amusement, escape from monotony, killing time. Ex. doomscrolling

Level 2 of Nash’s pyramid

Passive (emotional) participation. Ex. a person watching

Level 3 of Nash’s pyramid

Active participation. Ex. performing on stage

Level 4 of Nash’s pyramid

Creative participation. Ex. an inventor, painter, composer, gardener…