[HAVE FUN] Playfulness linked to resilience
Adults with high levels of playfulness showed strong resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to less playful individuals, new research shows. The study led by Oregon State University, Corvallis, researchers is important because playfulness is a vital but underappreciated resource for building resilience and maintaining well-being during difficult periods, according to the authors.
Researchers split a study group of more than 500 adults from the US into two subgroups: those with higher levels of playfulness as measured by the Adult Playfulness Trait Scale, and those with lower levels of playfulness.
Both groups shared similar perceptions of risk and protective factors, but those with higher levels of playfulness demonstrated greater optimism when envisioning future possibilities, engaged in more creative problem solving and managed to infuse quality and enjoyment into everyday activities. They actively altered challenging situations, found creative substitutes for what was lost, viewed obstacles as opportunities for growth and maintained a strong sense of control over their responses.
“This is essentially making lemonade from lemons, and it’s connected intimately with resilience,” said lead author Xiangyou “Sharon” Shen. “Playfulness doesn’t distort reality – it enhances it, and while our study focused on measuring rather than developing playfulness, research suggests several approaches to cultivate this quality.”
These approaches include:
- Engaging in activities that spark joy and curiosity.
- Being open to new experiences, including experimenting with new ways of doing routine activities.
- Creating opportunities for spontaneous, unstructured exploration.
- Hanging out with people who make you laugh and inspire you to play.
- Embracing moments of silliness and humor when appropriate.
“Even during hectic times, dedicating five to 10 minutes daily for a small dose of play – whether solo or shared – can make a meaningful difference,” Shen said.
To download the full article, published in Frontiers in Psychology, click here
Do you have news to share?
The ICAA welcomes your news submissions. Please send your press releases to colinmilner@icaa.cc-the ICAA's email for submissions-and staff will consider your news for possible publication. Newsworthy topics include such things as center/community openings; initiative or campaign launches; announcements of awards, promotions or grants; and other topics of interest to active-aging professionals.
Share
