title: Play and the older child: developmental and clinical opportunities.
abstract: This paper examines the meaning and function of pretend play in older children. First, a review of the widely accepted developmental sequences, growth-promoting potential, and analytic uses of play for younger children is provided. Then the possible role for play in later childhood is explored through the presentation of Sarah, a twelve-year-old girl in analysis, whose play appeared to provide both clinical and developmental benefits. The suggestion is made to soften the existing developmental line for play in order to allow for its role with preadolescent children.
authors.affiliation: Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, USA.
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Meersand
mesh_terms: D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005201:Fantasy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D010553:Personality Development; D010989:Play Therapy; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011573:Psychoanalytic Interpretation; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy; D011606:Psychosexual Development; D012381:Role Playing; D013561:Symbolism; D014039:Toilet Training