An Investigation of the Efficacy of Play Therapy with Young Children Page: 19
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therapeutic usefulness is derived from the fact that it
represents to children the externalized expression of their
emotional lives and "fulfills the role that conversation,
introspection, philosophy, and religion have for the adult"
(p. 324). Likewise, Froebel (1912) argued, "Play.... is the
highest expression of human development in childhood, for
it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's
soul." (as cited in Lowenfield, 1935, p. 30).
Axline (1947) believed play allows children to express
themselves in areas that have been pressing for expression
and exploration. Through play, the child is able to feel
and release feelings and attitudes that need to be
resolved. By "playing out" emotions, the child is able to
realize the power the child has to make decisions and to
become an independent and mature person. Lowenfield (1935)
asserted, "without adequate opportunity for play, normal
and satisfactory emotional development is not possible
(p. 324).
Erikson (1964) asserted, "I propose the theory that
child's play is the infantile form of the human ability to
deal with experience by creating model situations and to
master reality by experience and planning"(p. 10).
Furthermore, he summarized his rationale for utilizing play19
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Brandt, Marielle Aloyse. An Investigation of the Efficacy of Play Therapy with Young Children, dissertation, May 1999; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2184/m1/26/: accessed April 20, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .