Spirituality and Play

Laughter, fun and imagination are significant parts of children developing spiritually in early childhood (Rollins, Bolig & Mahan, 2005). At this stage, a child’s understanding so revolves around play that this comes into effect in their expressions of spirituality. This concept is not limited to organized religion, but is much more broad to include “activities that assist individuals to find meaning and purpose in life, to continue relationships and to transcend beyond the self” and can involve ”holding, comforting, and play therapy” (Rollins et al., 2005, p. 390). The spiritual growth and needs are not very recognized in young children as these are largely under researched (Hutchison, 2008) though it plays an intimate role in the development of a child.

Play allows children to learn mastery of skills and express ideas they may not be able to verbally (Rollins, et al.,2005). In situations when children are too shy or frightened to communicate with an adult (i.e. a doctor), puppets and dolls can act as a ‘transitional object’ that can give children the confidence to speak, in a fun way (Rollins et al., 2005). This is largely because children assign human like characteristics to dolls and are familiar with them (Rollins et al., 2005)

The role of play is especially significant to children in hospitals or with illness, because it provides them with the opportunity to forget their illness momentarily as a means of coping (Rollins et al., 2005). The following clip depicts the real-life story of Patch Adams, a doctor who recognized the humanity in patients, and resisted the organized institutional approach of caring for people. Patch Adams became well known for using play as way to connect with patients, improve their mood and spiritual health. Please pay attention to the smiles that born on the faces of young cancer patients.



According to Bailey “Joy is one of the spiritual strengths that enable people to survive –including the capacity to see the funny side of life” (Rollins et al., 2005). Therefore, children should be regarded as spiritually mature, rather than not yet spiritually awakened.

By: Tristan Dart

References
Rollins, J., Bolig, R., & Mahan, C. (2005). Meeting Children’s Psychological Needs Across the Health Care Continuum. Austin, Texas: Pro-ed.

Hutchinson, E. (2008). Dimension of Human Behavior: The Changing Life Course: Third Edition. London, United Kingdom: Sage Publications.

Klance1. (2006, November 20). Patch Adams Trailer. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKQdKRC2DVs