Pascual, Zennifer Asa, authorBundy, Anita C., advisorBarrett, Karen Caplovitz, committee member2007-01-032007-01-031996http://hdl.handle.net/10217/82651The recent trend in American culture grants play and a playful attitude vital places in adult life, and shies away from work as the governing activity of one's life. Previous research, however, found that adults did not value play in their children. This study explored whether American adults' attitudes now support the recent trend recognizing the importance of play and playfulness in children. American parents of preschool children responded to a questionnaire investigating their attitudes towards play and playfulness. Their responses indicated that American adults recognize the value of play for its own sake and can identify the significant individual dimensions that comprise playfulness. Noteworthy was the low valuation parents placed on the sense of humor dimension, for humor is synonymous with playfulness. Discussion on the significance of the results, recommendations for future research, and a review of the history of play, work, and child-rearing attitudes in America are provided.masters thesesengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.Play assessment (Child psychology)PlayText