New research from Oregon State University reveals that adults with higher levels of playfulness exhibited stronger resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to their less playful counterparts. According to the study, led by Dr. Xiangyou “Sharon” Shen, an assistant professor at OSU, playfulness is a vital but often overlooked trait that helps individuals cope with stress and uncertainty, particularly during challenging times such as the global pandemic.
Playfulness as a Key Resource for Resilience
Shen’s research highlights how playfulness can serve as a resource for fostering resilience and maintaining well-being during difficult periods. Playfulness, often seen as a lighthearted or whimsical trait, proved to be much more than just a source of joy; it became a coping mechanism that allowed individuals to navigate stress with optimism and creativity.
“Understanding how playful people navigate adversity can inform interventions and strategies to help people cope with stress and uncertainty,” Shen explained. “This is particularly relevant as we face increasing global challenges that require both realistic assessment and creative adaptation.”
The study’s findings are timely, as chronic stress is a significant public health issue, linked to a range of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. The pandemic, economic instability, and ongoing social issues have only amplified these challenges, contributing to a mental health crisis.
Study Methodology
The study involved over 500 adults in the U.S., who were divided into two groups: those with higher levels of playfulness and those with lower levels. Playfulness was measured using the Adult Playfulness Trait Scale, developed by Shen and her team in 2014. Participants were asked to reflect on their experiences during the pandemic, and researchers examined how playfulness influenced their coping strategies.
The results showed that while both groups shared similar perceptions of risk and protective factors, those with higher playfulness demonstrated significantly greater resilience. Playful individuals were more likely to:
Engage in creative problem-solving: They actively sought out ways to alter challenging situations and found inventive solutions to cope with disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Maintain optimism about the future: Despite the uncertainties, playful individuals displayed a positive outlook, believing in the possibility of recovery and growth.
Infuse enjoyment into everyday activities: Even during times of hardship, playful people found ways to create moments of joy and connection, elevating the quality of their daily experiences.
Perhaps most importantly, the study revealed that highly playful people did not engage in activities more frequently than others. Instead, they experienced those activities with greater immersion and positive emotional engagement. “This is essentially making lemonade from lemons, and it’s connected intimately with resilience,” Shen said.
The Role of Realism in Playfulness
Shen emphasized that playfulness is not about seeing the world through “rose-colored glasses.” Rather, playful individuals maintain “clear-eyed realism” while creatively adapting to challenges. “Highly playful people were just as realistic about COVID-19 risks and challenges as others, but they excelled at ‘lemonading’—creatively imagining and pursuing the positive, discovering ways to create moments of joy even in difficult circumstances,” she explained.
This distinction is important because it shows that playfulness enhances reality rather than distorting it. Shen’s study challenges previous assumptions about how playfulness functions. While it has often been said that playful people “reframe” situations to make them more enjoyable, Shen and her co-researcher Zoe Crawley were able to identify specific ways in which playfulness helps people navigate adversity.
Cultivating Playfulness
Shen’s research also points to the possibility of cultivating playfulness as a resilience-building tool. Although the study focused on measuring existing levels of playfulness, Shen suggests that certain strategies can help individuals develop this trait:
Engage in activities that spark joy and curiosity: Seeking out experiences that bring joy, whether through hobbies or creative exploration, can increase playfulness.
Be open to new experiences: Trying new approaches to everyday tasks can foster a sense of fun and flexibility.
Create opportunities for spontaneous exploration: Allowing for unstructured time can encourage playfulness in its purest form.
Surround yourself with playful people: Interacting with those who inspire laughter and creativity can promote a playful mindset.
Embrace moments of silliness and humor: Taking time to enjoy humor and lightness, especially during stressful periods, can improve mental health.
Shen also suggests that setting aside small, regular periods for play—whether alone or with others—can make a significant difference. “Even during hectic times, dedicating five to 10 minutes daily for a small dose of play can be meaningful,” she said.
Conclusion
The research underscores the importance of playfulness as a powerful psychological resource, particularly during stressful times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. By embracing playfulness, individuals can develop stronger resilience, find joy in everyday life, and effectively cope with adversity. Shen’s study offers valuable insights into how a positive, creative outlook can be a tool for maintaining mental well-being, highlighting the potential for cultivating playfulness as a key trait to navigate life’s challenges.
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