Dolls Boost Boys' and Girls' Imaginations Over Games

Playing with dolls can significantly foster more sophisticated imaginations and better social skills in both boys and girls, especially when contrasted with electronic devices. Psychologists from Cardiff University and King's College London found that children given dolls developed a deeper appreciation for others' beliefs and feelings. This contrasts with children who engaged primarily with tablet video games, who were more inclined to play alone.

Researchers observed that children aged four to eight, when playing with dolls, were more likely to interact with friends or family. This type of play allows for role-playing, narrative creation, and scenario acting, which strengthens the ability to imagine others' thoughts and intentions. Such pretend play serves as a safe environment for practicing social skills, emotion processing, and regulation.

This research, published in PLOS One, highlights the importance of social skills in childhood for developing relationships. The study involved 73 children over six weeks, with half receiving tablets and half receiving dolls. Those playing with dolls showed notable improvements in "false-belief reasoning," indicating an enhanced ability to understand that others may hold different beliefs or perceive situations differently from reality.