Individual differences in children’s anthropomorphic tendencies to their special objects

• Published in: Cognitive development 2022-07, Vol.63, p.101224, Article 101224
• Main Authors: Yamaguchi, Masanori, Xianwei, Meng, Ishibashi, Mikako, Moriguchi, Yusuke, Mitsuishi, Hisashi, Itakura, Shoji
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anthropomorphism; Attachment object; Parent-child discourse; Personified object
• ISSN: 0885-2014; 1879-226X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2022.101224

This study describes individual differences in children’s anthropomorphic tendencies toward their special objects. It explores factors related to the individual differences, focusing on the effect of motivation for social connection, type of special object (personified objects or not), and parents’ anthropomorphic tendencies. Fifty-five children, aged 4–6 years, participated. To manipulate children’s motivation for social connection, we experimentally primed children for loneliness. Parents’ anthropomorphic tendencies were measured by a questionnaire and direct observation. We found individual differences in children’s anthropomorphic tendencies toward their special objects and a novel stuffed animal. Children’s anthropomorphic tendency was not influenced by the motivation for social connection. Children’s anthropomorphic tendencies did not depend on the type of object. Instead, parents’ anthropomorphic tendencies were significantly correlated with those of their children. Our results suggest that individual differences in children’s anthropomorphic tendencies might be learned through parent-child discourse. •Children's anthropomorphic tendency was not influenced by the priming for loneliness.•There were individual differences in children's anthropomorphic tendencies.•Children's anthropomorphic tendencies correlated with those of their parents'.•Children may learn their special objects' unobservable properties through their parents.