Perceived functions of playfulness in adults: Does it mobilize you at work, rest, and when being with others?

Abstract

IntroductionLittle is known about what adults perceive as core functions of playfulness in their daily life. ObjectiveTo compile a list of perceived functions of playfulness from nominations of laypeople and to test the association of the productions with individual levels of playfulness as a personality trait. MethodThree hundred and twenty-four adults aged 18 to 62 (M=31.6, SD=11.5) listed perceived functions of playfulness in five areas (leisure and work and when being with work colleagues, friends, and their partner) and completed a questionnaire for playfulness. ResultsThe entries were grouped into seven broader categories; namely, (1) well-being; (2) humor and laughter; (3) mastery orientation; (4) creativity; (5) relationships; (6) coping strategies; and (7) coping with situations. Women noted more functions than men (t(297)=2.99, p<.01, d=0.35) but there were no gender differences in the playfulness scale. Individual levels of playfulness correlated only for men with a greater number of functions, while it was uncorrelated in the sample of women. ConclusionPeople see a broad range of functions for playfulness in their daily lives. This warrants further investigation on potential benefits of adult playfulness.