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The playfulness of a child with developmental coordination disorder

Files

Dissertation(1.64 MB)

Date

2005

Authors

Supervisor

Jones, Marion
Penman, Merrolee

Item type

Dissertation

Degree name

Master of Health Science

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on how a child with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) experienced playfulness. Playfulness is identified within the literature as a behavioural trait and defined by Bundy using the Theory of Playfulness (Bundy, 1997). An ethnographic case study design is used to observe the play of a child with DCD. A child’s playfulness is analysed using parent and child interviews, Test of Playfulness (ToP), Test of Environmental Supportiveness (TOES) and field notes of the researcher. The analysis uncovered cultural themes in the playfulness of a child with DCD. Those were a concern for safety and the seeking of control over their playful activities. It was also discovered that a child with DCD is capable of playful behaviour as they adjusted their activities to master the social and physical demands of their indoor and outdoor play. The implications of this case study are that parents, teachers, therapists and caregivers need to support and promote playfulness in children with DCD for their future health and well-being.

Description

Keywords

Play, Play therapy, Motor ability, Motor Skills Disorders

Source

DOI

Publisher's version

Rights statement

Permanent link

https://hdl.handle.net/10292/11342

Collections

Masters Dissertations