Parent-Child Play And Playfulness Among Children With Disabilities: A Systematic Review
Aim: This systematic review examines the role of parent–child play and playfulness among children with disabilities, and their impact on child development and parent–child relationships.
Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, supplemented by reference list screening and hand-searching of relevant journals. Studies examining parent–child play and playfulness in children with disabilities were included based on predefined inclusion criteria. A total of 16 studies were identified and analysed.
Results: Findings indicate that symptoms associated with medical, developmental, or psychological conditions may negatively influence playfulness in children. However, active parental involvement and responsive interaction were consistently associated with increased playfulness. Parent–child play was also linked to improved parental self-efficacy, stronger parent–child relationships, enhanced emotional regulation, and positive developmental outcomes in children.
Conclusion: Parent–child play plays a significant role in supporting the emotional, social, and developmental wellbeing of children with disabilities, while also strengthening parental confidence and relationships.
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