Forever Young: The Benefits of Play and Playfulness in Adult Well-being

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dc.contributor.authorKassiri, Melody
dc.date.accessioned2025-06-26T21:49:38Z
dc.date.available2025-06-26T21:49:38Z
dc.date.issued2025-06-10
dc.description.abstractPlay and Playfulness are often overlooked as meaningful contributors to adult well-being. A growing body of research, however, highlights the psychological, emotional, and social significance of play and playfulness in adulthood. Through an integrative literature review, this capstone explores the benefits of play and playfulness in adult well-being and how they can be utilized by mental health professionals in therapeutic settings. Key themes include the cognitive and emotional benefits of play in emerging, middle, and later adulthood; the function of play in fostering empathy, perspective taking, and resilience; and the role of playfulness in strengthening interpersonal and community relationships. Findings suggest that play and playfulness are not frivolous or meaningless behaviours and traits but that they are powerful psychological resource that promotes adaptability, well-being, and relational depth. Further discussion on how to cultivate both play and playfulness in therapeutic contexts is also discussed, along with recommendations for practice and future research. This capstone paper concludes with affirming play and playfulness as vital yet underutilized dimensions of adult well-being that merits deeper consideration in both research and practice.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/3871
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisher.institutionCity University of Seattle (CityU)
dc.subjectplay
dc.subjectplayfulness
dc.subjectadulthood
dc.subjectwell-being
dc.titleForever Young: The Benefits of Play and Playfulness in Adult Well-being
dc.typeCapstone
thesis.degree.disciplineCounselling
thesis.degree.grantorCity University of Seattle (CityU)
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Counselling

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