Research
An Interview with Dr. Connell that uses Dungeons & Dragons for therapeutic purposes.
Connell, M. A. (n.d.). D&D Therapy. Megan A. Connell PSYD ABPP. Retrieved February 21, 2022, from https://www.meganpsyd.com/dnd-therapy
An interview with Maria Paddock, a counselor that uses play therapy with an age demographic of 2-80. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/marie-r-paddock-chatham-va/825843
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0263067219834712
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Darvasi, P. (2019, May 13). How dungeons & dragons can help kids develop social-emotional learning skills. KQED. Retrieved February 21, 2022, from https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/51784/how-dungeons-dragons-can-help-kids-develop-social-emotional-learning-skills#:~:text=D%26D%20is%20the%20original%20cooperative%20game%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Dr.&text=In%20addition%20to%20encouraging%20students,of%20social%20and%20emotional%20skills.
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GoyetteOwner, D. (n.d.). Supporting social play: Helping children learn social skills from play: Expert advice. The Genius of Play. Retrieved February 21, 2022, from https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/expert-advice/articles/supporting-social-play-helping-children-learn-social-skills-from-play.aspx#.YhPZ0OjMK3B
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https://www.universityxp.com/blog/2020/7/9/what-is-the-magic-circle
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https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/14/smarter-living/adults-play-work-life-balance.html
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Common themes:
Play forces focus, you have to be present to play.
Those who play, are generally living better.
Play can happen anywhere.
Play can be used to gain something OR to have fun (school and whatnot).
Play is based on rules that leave room for the imagination.
Play lowers people's defenses, making it easier to see who people really are.
Play is beneficial for a variety of purposes, such as social skills.