The role of imaginary companion in the life of only children: a qualitative study
Abstract Introduction An imaginary companion is an invisible or personified entity created by children for themselves. An imaginary companion typically serves as a companion to the child and plays a significant role in their life, especially for only children who may experience more loneliness compa...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-11-01
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| Series: | BMC Psychiatry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05360-0 |
| _version_ | 1827709071591997440 |
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| author | Zahra Yazdi Panah Hassan Zareei Mahmoodabadi Fahimeh Dehghani |
| author_facet | Zahra Yazdi Panah Hassan Zareei Mahmoodabadi Fahimeh Dehghani |
| author_sort | Zahra Yazdi Panah |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction An imaginary companion is an invisible or personified entity created by children for themselves. An imaginary companion typically serves as a companion to the child and plays a significant role in their life, especially for only children who may experience more loneliness compared to other children. This research was conducted to investigate the role of an imaginary companion in the lives of only children. Method The present study was conducted using a qualitative method and a content analysis approach. Through purposeful sampling, a total of 34 preschool and primary school children, aged 6 to 9 years, from schools in Mashhad city, were selected until saturation was reached. They were subjected to semi-structured interviews. After data collection, the data were coded, and then the main and sub-themes were extracted. Results The research findings were represented in the form of 196 statements, 28 sub-themes, and 9 main themes. The main themes included the role of an imaginary companion in alleviating loneliness, the role of an imaginary companion in amusement, the role of an imaginary companion in emotional regulation, conversations with an imaginary companion, guidance from an imaginary companion for good and bad behaviors, the assistance of an imaginary companion in tasks, helping to generate new scenarios, the advantages of having an imaginary companion, and the disadvantages of having one. Conclusion Based on the aforementioned findings, it can be concluded that the presence of an imaginary companion can not only support children but also promote creativity and distance them from the virtual space and realities of the real world. Parental awareness of this matter can aid in the child’s growth, fulfill their needs, and, on the other hand, prevent potential harm to children. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T17:15:51Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-034fe8ccfa0e49469542755c32f7102e |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-244X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T17:15:51Z |
| publishDate | 2023-11-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Psychiatry |
| spelling | doaj.art-034fe8ccfa0e49469542755c32f7102e2023-11-20T10:30:03ZengBMCBMC Psychiatry1471-244X2023-11-012311710.1186/s12888-023-05360-0The role of imaginary companion in the life of only children: a qualitative studyZahra Yazdi Panah0Hassan Zareei Mahmoodabadi1Fahimeh Dehghani2Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd UniversityDepartment of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd UniversityDepartment of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd UniversityAbstract Introduction An imaginary companion is an invisible or personified entity created by children for themselves. An imaginary companion typically serves as a companion to the child and plays a significant role in their life, especially for only children who may experience more loneliness compared to other children. This research was conducted to investigate the role of an imaginary companion in the lives of only children. Method The present study was conducted using a qualitative method and a content analysis approach. Through purposeful sampling, a total of 34 preschool and primary school children, aged 6 to 9 years, from schools in Mashhad city, were selected until saturation was reached. They were subjected to semi-structured interviews. After data collection, the data were coded, and then the main and sub-themes were extracted. Results The research findings were represented in the form of 196 statements, 28 sub-themes, and 9 main themes. The main themes included the role of an imaginary companion in alleviating loneliness, the role of an imaginary companion in amusement, the role of an imaginary companion in emotional regulation, conversations with an imaginary companion, guidance from an imaginary companion for good and bad behaviors, the assistance of an imaginary companion in tasks, helping to generate new scenarios, the advantages of having an imaginary companion, and the disadvantages of having one. Conclusion Based on the aforementioned findings, it can be concluded that the presence of an imaginary companion can not only support children but also promote creativity and distance them from the virtual space and realities of the real world. Parental awareness of this matter can aid in the child’s growth, fulfill their needs, and, on the other hand, prevent potential harm to children.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05360-0Only childChildrenImaginary companionQualitative content analysisMashhad city |
| spellingShingle | Zahra Yazdi Panah Hassan Zareei Mahmoodabadi Fahimeh Dehghani The role of imaginary companion in the life of only children: a qualitative study BMC Psychiatry Only child Children Imaginary companion Qualitative content analysis Mashhad city |
| title | The role of imaginary companion in the life of only children: a qualitative study |
| title_full | The role of imaginary companion in the life of only children: a qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | The role of imaginary companion in the life of only children: a qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | The role of imaginary companion in the life of only children: a qualitative study |
| title_short | The role of imaginary companion in the life of only children: a qualitative study |
| title_sort | role of imaginary companion in the life of only children a qualitative study |
| topic | Only child Children Imaginary companion Qualitative content analysis Mashhad city |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05360-0 |
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