Developmental Implications of Mental Imagery in Childhood Imaginary Companions

Mental imagery in children is discussed in terms of self-concept and identity development. We examine areas in this article that contribute to these developments in children including play, fantasy and imagery, imagined interactions, and imaginary companions. The interface among these areas of devel...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Imagination, cognition and personality cognition and personality, 2011-09, Vol.31 (1), p.79-98
Main Authors: Honeycutt, James M., Pecchioni, Loretta, Keaton, Shaughan A., Pence, Michelle E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child development
Children & youth
Creativity
Imagination
Regression analysis
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Summary:Mental imagery in children is discussed in terms of self-concept and identity development. We examine areas in this article that contribute to these developments in children including play, fantasy and imagery, imagined interactions, and imaginary companions. The interface among these areas of developmental psychology is the role of mental imagery (e.g., imagination) in cognitive, social, and emotional development. A study using binary logistic regression is reported in which the dependent variable is presence or absence of childhood imaginary companions. Two significant predictors of having an imaginary companion were identified: playing with dolls and the presence of siblings as opposed to being only children. Results are discussed in the creative role of imagery in fostering role development.
ISSN:0276-2366
1541-4477
DOI:10.2190/IC.31.1-2.h