For a long time playfulness has been seen as something children do, but a growing body of research over the past few decades has shown it plays a vital role in adult life as well. A recent qualitative study by Lubbers et al. (2022) delves into the meaning and importance of playfulness in adulthood, providing valuable insights into how adults perceive and experience this often-overlooked aspect of their lives.
The study, titled “Adult play and playfulness: A qualitative exploration of its meanings and importance,” analysed responses from 837 adult participants who were asked to describe what playfulness means to them. Using thematic analysis, the researchers identified five main themes: a positive outlook, activities, relationships, humour, and experiencing life.
One of the most striking findings was the strong association between playfulness and positive emotions. Participants frequently described playfulness as a way of maintaining a positive outlook on life, fostering joy, and coping with stress and negative emotions. This suggests that playfulness may serve as an important emotional regulation strategy, helping adults navigate the challenges of daily life with greater resilience and adaptability.
Another key theme that emerged was the role of playfulness in relationships. Many participants described playfulness as a way of connecting with others, whether through shared activities, humour, or simply a lighthearted approach to interactions. This highlights the social dimension of playfulness and its potential to strengthen bonds and promote a sense of belonging.
Participants also frequently mentioned engaging in playful activities, such as hobbies, sports, and creative pursuits. This could suggest that individuals common definitions of playfulness are is very similar to their definitions of play – the engagement in an activity rather than a cognitive or mental state.
Interestingly, the study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some participants explicitly referenced the challenges of maintaining playfulness during this difficult time. This underscores the importance of playfulness as a coping mechanism and highlights the need for strategies to promote playfulness even in the face of adversity.
Overall, the findings of this study provide a rich and nuanced understanding of how adults conceptualise and experience playfulness in their lives. By identifying the key themes of positive emotions, relationships, activities, humour, and a playful approach to life, the researchers have laid the groundwork for further exploration of this important topic.
At the Playfulness Institute, we believe that cultivating playfulness is essential for well-being and flourishing across the lifespan. Studies like this one provide valuable insights into how we can support and encourage playfulness in adulthood, whether through individual practices, relationship-building, or community initiatives.
As we continue to navigate a rapidly changing world, the ability to approach life with a sense of playfulness may be more important than ever. By embracing the themes identified in this study – positive emotions, meaningful connections, engaging activities, humour, and a playful outlook – we can build greater resilience, adaptability, and joy in our lives and the lives of those around us.
