Recent Research Results
Parents and educators often misinterpret or are uncomfortable with play fighting due to
its resemblance to serious aggression and difficulty recognizing subtle differences
between the two.3,7 Playful aggression is a common component in socio-dramatic play —
typically among boys.6,10,22,23 If playful aggression is supported, it is highly beneficial to
child development.3 The act of pretending to be aggressive is not equivalent to being
aggressive.3 Role reversal, cooperation, voluntary engagement, chasing and fleeing,
restrained physical contact, smiling and laughing are common characteristics of playful
aggression.16 Within this framework of understanding, play fighting and war toys can be
considered components of socio-dramatic play.3 This suggests that early childhood
educators need opportunities to enhance their understanding of the benefits of pretend
play, including aggressive dramatic play themes such as fighting and war, in order to
more effectively support play.