What is the state of play in adulthood?

Rosemary Colston; Prudence Millear; Mary Katsikitis; Jacob Keech

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-4903570/v1

Back

Preprint

Open access

What is the state of play in adulthood?

Rosemary Colston, Prudence Millear, Mary Katsikitis and Jacob Keech

Research Square, Vol.17 October 2024

Research Square Company

2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4903570/v1

Files and links (1)

pdf

940005a3-061c-4653-925e-23e5543021df703.97 kBDownload View

Preprint VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the experiences of self-identified adult players to gain insights into the state of play in adulthood. Interviews were conducted with 26 participants representing different styles of play behaviour. Thematic analysis using Nvivo 12 Plus software revealed that adults play differently from children and have a broader definition of play behaviour. Play was found to be rewarding and provided relief from adult responsibilities. The most skilled players integrated play into their work-life seamlessly. The analysis also identified a typology of 8 player types, influenced by parental attitudes and behaviours during childhood. Participants emphasised the importance of play for promoting wellbeing, although there was a degree of play illiteracy evidenced. Further research is needed to investigate if the benefits of play can be extended to the general population through facilitated engagement with remedial play and the development of an adult play discourse.

Details

Title: What is the state of play in adulthood?
Authors: Rosemary Colston (Corresponding Author)
Prudence Millear - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Psychology
Mary Katsikitis - Flinders University
Jacob Keech - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Psychology
Publication details: Research Square, Vol.17 October 2024
Publisher: Research Square Company
Date published: 2024
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4903570/v1
ISSN: 2693-5015
Copyright note: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
Data Availability: Data is stored securely in password-protected computer systems. Ethical approval is for use by the research team only, rather than for use by other research teams.
Organisation Unit: Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health - Psychology
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991079397702621
Output Type: Preprint

Metrics

120 File views/ downloads

117 Record Views