Imaginary Worldplay in Childhood and Maturity and Its Impact on Adult Creativity

ABSTRACT: The childhood invention of imaginary worlds or paracosms may prepare for creative endeavor in adulthood. To test hypotheses concerning the incidence of childhood worldplay and its connection to mature work, this study queried MacArthur Fellows, selected for their creativity, and compared them to Michigan State University (MSU) students. Whereas previous research declared paracosm play to be uncommon and associated with the arts, this study found it reasonably common among MSU students (3%–12%), about twice as frequent among MacArthur Fellows (5%–26%), and prevalent in the backgrounds of scientists and social scientists as well as artists. A majority of Fellows with assessed worldplay in childhood reported connections between early paracosm play and mature endeavor. Childhood worldplay deserves further study as early apprenticeship in creative imagination.

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