University of York

Academic Institute

Gill Althia FrancisDr Umar Toseeb

B3878

To better understand the function of play, its origin, and purpose in child development; developmental psychology, and behavioural genetics methodologies are uniquely combined in an original approach to studying children's play. Variables related to children, their parents, and the genetic propensities of both will be combined to explore linkages between home environments, play, and children’s social/cognitive outcomes, in a cross-cohort-longitudinal approach. Data from three UK longitudinal studies will be used in a holistic attempt to tap into the construct of play given it is a multidimensional construct. The study addresses the call for novel approaches to studying how play relates to child development.

This study presents an innovative approach to better understanding the function of play, its origin, and its purpose in child development. It remains unclear the extent to which children’s and parent’s genetic propensities interact with and create environments that are conducive to playful behaviours. The findings from this study will add new knowledge as no previous study has tried to tease apart these factors.

12/11/2021