Although recent correlational studies have found a relationship between fantasy orientation
(FO; ie, a child's propensity to play in a fantastical realm) and higher order cognitive skills …

Elaborated role play (ie, pretending in which children imagine and act out the part of another
individual on a regular basis) is often considered an early indicator of creativity, but there is …

Is a pear sweeter than a peach? Which of Mona Lisa's hands is crossed over the other?
What would the Moonlight Sonata sound like played by a brass band? Although these are …

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is an excessive and vivid fantasy activity that interferes with
individual's normal functioning and can result in severe distress. Research has shown that …

Abstract Theory of mind (ToM) and empathy are separate, but related components of social
understanding. However, research has not clearly defined the distinctions between them …

Fictional stories can affect many aspects of children's behavior and cognition, yet little is
known about how they might help or hinder children's executive function skills. The current …

Children's role playing, whether personifying toys or imagining invisible friends, involves
imagining others' minds and internal states. Similarly, anthropomorphism–the attribution of …

Having an imaginary companion (IC) is a fascinating example of children's imaginative and
pretend play. However, there are inconsistencies in the reported prevalence of children's …

Play is an important tool for children's social interactions and cognitive skills. The current
study examines the links between pretend play and language in 119 Turkish preschoolers at …

Role‐play (ie, pretending in which children imagine and act out the part of another
individual) was assessed with child interviews and parent questionnaires about invisible …