A Developmental Analysis of Playfulness as a Clue to Cognitive Style1 |
| |
Authors: | J. NINA LIEBERMAN |
| |
Abstract: | A quality of play labeled playfulness is hypothesized to become later a personality trait of the individual relating to cognitive style, particularly divergent thinking. Operationally, playfulness was defined, identified and measured in kindergartners as physical, social and cognitive spontaneity, manifest joy and sense of humor. The importance of exploring a possible developmental transformation in operational correlates of this trait at later age levels is discussed. Special emphasis is put on playfulness as a motivational aspect of divergent thinking during the adolescent years with a view of linking early identification and measurement of playfulness to prediction of creative potential. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|