The Use of Play Techniques as an Aid to Diagnosis and Planning in the Cases of Six Children Studied at Catholic Charities Guidance Institute

Background of the Study. Children are instructed, allowed, or encouraged to play for a variety of reasons. Harried mothers are pleased to get them out from under foot. Teachers are eager to help children learn through play, and some adults just like to play with children. On occasion, a neighbor will notice that Mary Jane Jones, playing mother, acts just like Mrs. Jones. Some little boys are neighbor-hood problems because of their bullying, or extreme shyness. What kind of parents has that child got? is a frequent cry from the lips of a mother whose son has come proudly home with a black eye administered by his playmate. Somehow she never hears the fierce muttering, You should see the other guy! Play is regarded generally as a vital part of growing up. Webster defines play as “exercise or action intended for amusement or diversion.” Most adults look upon play as sheer recreation. To a psychiatric social worker, child’s play is something a bit different