Examining Differences in affect displayed during preschoolers' non-medical pretend play and medical pretend play

Medical play is a play that involves medical themes and is used to familiarize children with the medical world. Few studies have examined medical play outside of the hospital or the affect displayed during medical play. This study examined differences in affect in non-hospitalized children participating in medical pretend play as compared to non-medical pretend play. Thirty-seven children, 3-4 years old, engaged in medical pretend play and non-medical pretend play. Play sessions were videorecorded and coded to examine the affect displayed in each session. Children also rated their feelings during the play sessions. The children displayed less affect, exhibited less fantasy and comfort, and engaged in play less during medical pretend play than during non-medical pretend play. In addition, children reported more negative feelings about medical pretend play. Such findings begin to help adults working with children understand what to expect during medical pretend play.