A new study by Sharon Shen at Oregon State University reveals that playful individuals exhibit greater resilience and happiness, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, published in the journal "Scientias.nl", suggests that playfulness is a crucial but often overlooked trait that contributes to mental well-being.
Shen and her colleagues divided 500 adults into two groups based on their playfulness levels, as measured by a personality test. While playful individuals didn't engage in significantly different activities compared to their less playful counterparts, they reported experiencing those activities more positively.
The study highlights that playful individuals demonstrate resilience through proactive behavioral adjustments, rather than solely relying on optimistic thinking. They are realistic about challenges but find ways to adapt and maintain a sense of control. This combination of realistic assessment and active adaptation, according to Shen, reflects true resilience.
The research also suggests that playfulness is a trait that can be developed. Shen encourages playful parenting, as it can reduce parent-child conflict and strengthen family bonds, factors that contribute to long-term resilience in children. She emphasizes that everyone has the potential for playfulness and encourages individuals to explore their own unique ways to express it.