It is amazing where research for a book takes a writer!
Did you have an imaginary friend growing up? Come on…Don’t be shy! Or, do you have a child who has an invisible buddy right now?
Early researchers in the 1940s to 1960s on the subject initially perceived imaginary friends to be a sign of a child in trouble or distress; however, researchers in the decades since have revealed quite the opposite—that an imaginary friend is a healthy outlet for a child in play and exploring their world!
WebMD.com states, “studies have shown that around 65% of kids had imaginary friends at some point before they turned seven.” In an article for Psychology Today, Jessica Koehler Ph.D. shares that imaginary friends tend to show up in situations involving an only child, an older child, as well as children that have limited television and screen time. And, contrary to perceptions that only children who exhibit social difficulties or shyness have imaginary friends, research has proven that actually it is the outgoing and socially engaged children that have imaginary friends.
You may ask: Why do some children have imaginary friends? There are a multitude of reasons why a child’s creative mind conjures an invisible companion, but WebMD lists five of these:
“(The imaginary friend) listens and supports them, (they) play with them, (they) do things the child cannot do (themselves), (they) are someone special that only belongs to (the child), (and they are) someone who doesn’t judge or find fault in (the child).)"
In the Healthline.com article, “What to Know About Imaginary Friends,” Jamie Elmer reports the positive outcomes from having an imaginary friend:
· “Superior social cognition
· More sociable
· Boosted creativity
· Better copying strategies
· Increased emotional understanding.”
There is even some research that asserts approximately 28% of children between the ages of eight and twelve have reported having imaginary friends!
This being said, what do you think? Can an adult have an imaginary friend also?
You’ll be able to read more about an imaginary friend in my next book to be released:
DR. MANN - A Novel
Stay tuned!
Interesting Resources:
Elmer, J. (January 24, 2020). What to Know About Imaginary Friends. [On-line]. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/imaginary-friends-adults
Hamilton, V. (December 2, 2021). Children’s Imaginary Friends: What to Know. [On-line]. Available: https://www.webmd.com/children/childrens-imaginary-friends-what-to-know
Kennedy-Moore, E. (January 31, 2013). Imaginary Friends. [On-line]. Available: https://www.pyschologytoday.com/us/blog/growing-friendships/
Koehler, J. (August 16, 2022). The Imaginative Child. [On-line]. Available: https://www.psychologytoday.com-/us/blog/beyond-school-walls/the-imaginative-child/imaginary-friends