On Big Kid, we explore who we are through play. Research shows that play keeps adults creative, resilient, and connected—key ingredients to being friendly and showing up with joy. These studies remind us that being playful isn’t childish; it’s courageous.
These sources explore the psychology, identity, and emotional benefits of adult play. They support the idea that being a “Big Kid” is about how we show up—friendly, curious, and open to learning.
A Qualitative Exploration of its Meanings and Importance by Kathy Lubbers, Jeanne Cadwallader, Qiyang Lin, Christopher Clifford & Leslie D. Frazier.
Link: https://www.journalofplayinadulthood.org.uk/article/id/1258/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Play improves emotional regulation, creativity, and joy by National Institute for Play
Link: https://nifplay.org/play-note/adult-play/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Explores how adult/young adult “play experiences” correlate with higher emotional intelligence and resilience. (PMC, 2022)
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9763996/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Practical guidance + research summary showing how play helps adults: health, satisfaction, learning, social-connection. Medically reviewed by Danielle Wade, LCSW
Link: https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-importance-of-play-for-adults?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Intergenerational play strengthens bonds and empathy.
Modern qualitative look at how adults define play by Colston et al. (2024
Link: https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-importance-of-play-for-adults?utm_source=chatgpt.com
A Goffmanian Account of Escaping Embarrassment in Adult Play. Explores adult self-consciousness around play. Discusses how adults often feel the need to justify play because it conflicts with the “serious adult” norms
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5903061/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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