Play And Psychosocial Development In Children Aged 3–7 Years

This study explores the influence of play in fostering a child's psychosocial development based on Erikson's theory of the Psychosocial Stages of Development. Specifically, it examines the impact of play on children's development during the initiative vs. guilt and industry vs. inferiority stages. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 40 parents of children aged 3-7 years via the My Child's Play (MCP) questionnaire, a modified version of the Modified Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (MEPSI), and Kinetic Family Drawings (KFDs). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation matrices, and linear regression models. Results indicated moderate-to-strong positive correlations between psychosocial development stages and play performance, with themes of positive parent-child interactions, independence, goal-oriented play, and accomplishment emerging from the KFDs. The findings underscore the critical role of play in children's psychosocial development and provide valuable insights for educators, parents, and policymakers. Future research should further explore these dynamics to enhance our understanding of play's multifaceted benefits.