Date of Award
8-1972
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Joseph C. LaVoie
Second Advisor
Gary Larsen
Third Advisor
Norman H. Hamm
Abstract
The play patterns and stimulus preference of 20 preschool children were observed during low and high s tress conditions. The stress manipulation was contingent upon the child's preparation for a medical appointment. Heart rate recordings and a questionnaire were used as Indices of stress. Children manifested a preference toward creative-constructive play under conditions of increased stress , with a resultant decrease in manipulative and imaginative play. Play with relevant or irrelevant toys did not change significantly during the increased stress condition. Pencil—paper measures of stress used in previous studies were significantly related to the physiological measure of stress . No sex differences were found for play patterns, stimulus preference or for stress.
Recommended Citation
Rutherford, Betty R., "The role of anxiety in the stimulus preference and play patterns" (1972). Student Work. 261.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/studentwork/261