Toddlers who show stronger abilities in pretend play tend to experience fewer emotional and behavioral difficulties as they enter primary school. The research provides evidence that encouraging imaginative play early in life could support better long-term mental health.

Early pretend play is linked to better mental health years later

A recent study suggests that toddlers who show stronger abilities in pretend play tend to experience fewer emotional and behavioral difficulties as they enter primary school. Published in the Early Childhood Education Journal, the research provides evidence that encouraging imaginative play early in life could support better long-term mental health. The findings highlight the potential benefits of simple childhood activities on psychological well-being.

The researchers found that higher pretend play ability at ages two to three predicted fewer internalizing and externalizing problems at later ages. This positive association was observed primarily in the mental health evaluations provided by the early educators. The connection was noticeable when the children were aged four to five and persisted when they reached ages six to seven.

Primary caregivers also reported a small but significant link between early pretend play and fewer behavioral issues when the children reached ages six to seven. The fact that this relationship held true even after controlling for family background and language skills suggests that play has a unique role in development.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10643-026-02150-7