title: Enhancing dramatic play potential in hospitalized children.
abstract: Dramatic play is seldom seen in hospitalized children. It is hypothesized that children recapitulate the separation-individuation process during hospitalization and, thus, are not capable of dramatic play until the process of self-development is restored. This article discusses the functions of play with hospitalized children and focuses on: (a) the relevance of play to the child's sense of self; (b) the impact of illness and hospitalization on the child, with emphasis on regression to earlier stages of self-development and on the developing capacity for symbolic play; and (c) the remedial activities to move children forward developmentally so that they can use play's potential for therapeutic benefit.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002654:Child Care; D002657:Child Development; D002673:Child, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004324:Drama; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010989:Play Therapy; D012649:Self Concept