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ERIC Number: EJ663351
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2002
Pages: N/A
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0012-1649
EISSN: N/A
Social Provisions of Real and Imaginary Relationships in Early Childhood.
Gleason, Tracy R.
Developmental Psychology, v38 n6 p979-92 Nov 2002
This study compared perceptions of relationships with parents, best friends, siblings, and imaginary companions among 4-year-olds with invisible friends, object companions, or no imaginary companion. Findings indicated that parents afforded instrumental help, and siblings were associated with conflict. Real and imaginary friendship provisions were similar. Imaginary friends were preferred as objects of nurturance. Findings imply that 4-year-olds have differentiated relationship schemas, with those of children with imaginary friends particularly distinct. (Author/KB)
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A