At the Playfulness Institute, we are dedicated to promoting the value of adult playfulness and its potential to enhance well-being, creativity, and resilience. We are excited to share the findings of a recent study by Tori Hart and Robyn M. Holmes from the Department of Psychology at Monmouth University, USA, which explores the fascinating link between adult playfulness and emotional intelligence.
The study, titled “Exploring the Connection between Adult Playfulness and Emotional Intelligence,” provides compelling evidence that the temperamental disposition of playfulness is strongly connected to an individual’s emotional intelligence. This means that being playful as an adult can help you better perceive, manage, and utilise your emotions, as well as understand and manage the emotions of others.
Key findings from the study include:
- Individuals who scored high on adult playfulness also scored high on emotional intelligence.
- The “Fun Seeking” subscale of adult playfulness positively correlated with all subscales of emotional intelligence, suggesting that engaging in fun and enjoying oneself is linked to better emotional perception, management, and utilisation.
- The “Uninhibited” subscale of adult playfulness was positively connected to managing one’s emotions and utilising emotions effectively.
These findings have significant implications for our understanding of the benefits of adult playfulness. By cultivating a playful mindset and engaging in enjoyable activities, we can potentially improve our emotional intelligence, which in turn can lead to better relationships, improved well-being, and enhanced resilience in the face of challenges.
The study also explored how participants defined play, with the most common responses being “fun,” “enjoyable,” and “pleasurable.” This aligns with the Playfulness Institute’s belief that play is an essential aspect of the human experience, providing joy, relaxation, and a means of coping with stress.
As we navigate the challenges of modern life, it is more important than ever to embrace playfulness and prioritise our emotional well-being. By incorporating playful activities into our daily lives and fostering a fun-seeking, uninhibited approach to life, we can tap into the power of emotional intelligence and build the resilience needed to thrive in uncertain times.
The Playfulness Institute is committed to promoting research that highlights the importance of adult playfulness and its potential to transform lives. We encourage our readers to embrace their playful side, seek out enjoyable experiences, and prioritise their emotional well-being. Together, we can create a more playful, emotionally intelligent world.
Here’s a link to the paper, in the Journal of Play in Adulthood
