An Essay on the Importance of Defining Playfulness: Engendering Playfulness in Caregivers as a State, Trait, and Skill

It appears to be well established that play is extremely important. A great deal of research has been dedicated to understanding the effects and function of play, yet there appears to be significant disagreement about the definition of playfulness. In this article, the author outlines the varying research arguing for playfulness to be defined as a state, a trait and a skill. Additionally, the author addresses the implications that such definitions have in the clinical setting. It is asserted that only through understanding, assessing and intervening in each of the three dimensions of playfulness can a clinician engender caregivers to be more playful with their children. Strategies that clinicians can use to assess and provide interventions in each of the three dimensions are proposed