The Expression of Negative Emotions During Children's Pretend Play

유아의 상상놀이에서 부정적 정서 표현에 대한 연구

This study investigated the extent to which negative emotions were portrayed, the ways in which children communicated about negative emotions, and to whom negative emotions were attributed during pretend play. The themes in which negative emotions were embedded were examined. Thirty 4- and 5-year-olds, each paired with a self-chosen peer, were observed and videotaped during a 20-minute play session. Observations presented the following conclusions: Anger and fear were the most frequently occurring negative emotions. Children communicated about negative feelings through emotion action labels and gesture. Children attributed a large proportion of their emotional portrayals to themselves and to play objects. Expression of affective themes embedded in pretend play included anger, fear, sadness, and pain.