As people in developed societies worldwide focus more and more of their time and energy on work, "playtime" has plummeted, and the equation of playful activities with "laziness," or "pointlessness," has become common. Even in schools, the necessity for play has become an issue of heated debate.
Luciano L'Abate is a fellow of the American Psychological Association, co-founder and past president of the International Academy of Family Psychology, and professor emeritus at Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.
"L'Abate (emer., Georgia State Univ.) has written a valuable
reference detailing the central role that play, in its many forms,
has in the epigenetic life cycle, from infancy all the way to old
age. In doing so, he fills in an epistemological gap usually not
acknowledged in personality theory. He covers in detail every
aspect of play: its varied manifestations across the life span, its
relevance to personality and social development, prevailing
cultural attitudes towards it, and how it is instrumental in aiding
various populations (e.g., individuals with disabilities,
aggressive youth). All the various strands come together in a
multifaceted hierarchical paradigm that presents an integrative
conceptual structure highlighting the elements of play. The
references cited are extensive and the narrative is easy to follow,
sprinkled with personal anecdotes and vignettes about L'Abate's
grandchildren. Linking theory to therapeutic intervention, this is
a superb reference for all concerned with play development. Summing
Up: Essential. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates, graduate
students, professionals, general readers." - Choice
"For psychologists, psychiatrists, other mental health
practitioners, play therapists, leisure time and recreation
specialists, and scholars of development and personality, L'Abate
(clinical psychology, Georgia State U., Atlanta) examines the
history of play, details how it affects people from infancy to old
age, and argues for its importance to physical, intellectual,
emotional, and spiritual well-being. He illustrates how people play
at different stages of the life cycle and how it is part of
development and socialization, as well as the consequences of its
changes today. He also discusses its benefits and applications in
therapy and rehabilitation and controversies over play, including
technology, the media, and education. He excludes discussion of
animal play, advocacy and theory, and neurological and cerebral
functioning." - Reference & Research Book News
"Toward this end, the author frequently interjects anecdotes from
his own life and the lives of his family and friends. These stories
serve as miniature case studies that illustrate relevant
theoretical and empirical points in a manner that makes his book
all the more enjoyable. . . . This handbook is best read from
beginning to end but also is the type of book one may read in
parts, as a reference or as guided by one's interests. . . the
volume would make an excellent starting point for a graduate
student beginning a research program in play. Of course, the
handbook would also serve as a superb tool for the seasoned
psychologist or psychotherapist to update his or her knowledge of a
field that has evolved considerably in recent years as lifestyle
and technology changes, including the invention of the popular
Nintendo Wii, have altered the way many play. The addition of
several helpful appendices makes the volume all the more attractive
for such purposes. For instance, Appendix A offers an annotated
bibliography of some significant sources, including books, journal
titles, professional organizations, and websites. University
libraries will want to own this book, as will many public libraries
as well." - PsycCRITIQUES
"The inclusion of the topic of adult play solidifies its must-read
status for scholars interested in understanding diverse expressions
and functions of play....It is clearly written and can serve as a
necessary textbook for graduate-level courses that focus on the
study of play and leisure across the lifespan. The Praeger
Handbook of Play across the Life Cycle is an engaging,
extensive overview of play from different perspectives, emphasizing
play as a valuable activity for individuals of all ages." -
American Journal of Play
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