An Investigation of the Fantasy Predisposition and Fantasy Style of Children With Imaginary Companions

Abstract

In this study, the author tested whether children with imaginary companions (ICs) have a different fantasy life than do children without ICs. To measure the fantasy life of the 74 children aged 3.2 to 8.7 years, the author modified the Children's Fantasy Interview (E. Rosenfeld, L. R. Huesmann, L. D. Eron, & J. V. Torney-Purta, 1982) to make it suitable for young children and focused on 5 aspects of fantasy life: (a) ICs, (b) dreams, (c) daydreams, (d) scary thoughts, and (e) pretend games. Consistent with the hypothesis, children who had ICs were more likely than were children without ICs to report (a) vivid imagery when daydreaming, (b) vivid imagery when playing pretend games, (c) mythical content for dreams, and (d) mythical content for pretend games.

Auditory false perceptions are mediated by psychosis risk factors

“…Adolescent hallucinations are similar to those in adults (Pearson et al, 2008) and positive schizotypy in adolescents has also been associated with selfmonitoring deficits (Debbané, van der Linden, Gex-Fabry, & Eliez, 2009). Additionally, childhood imaginary friends may be an expression of vulnerability for vivid imagery (Bouldin, 2006), positive schizotypy (Best & Mertin, 2007), or false perceptions under ambiguous conditions (Fernyhough, Bland, Meins, & Coltheart, 2007;Pearson et al, 2001).…”

A Good Story: Children With Imaginary Companions Create Richer Narratives

“…In one study, parents reported that children with imaginary companions were more anxious than children without imaginary companions, but the reported levels of anxiety were not of clinical concern (Bouldin & Pratt, 2002). Children who engage in imaginary companion play do show an inclination toward other forms of fantasy (Bouldin, 2006; Bouldin & Pratt, 1999; Taylor & Carlson, 1997), and 4‐year‐old children with imaginary companions show an advanced understanding of minds, even after controlling for verbal ability (Taylor & Carlson, 1997).…”

Away with the fairies: the psychopathology of visionary encounters in early modern Scotland

“…Children with imaginary companions are more prone to fantasize and daydream: they do so more often and more vividly than children without imaginary companions. Their fantasies may well include magical elements like fairies, dragons or monsters (Bouldin, 2006). Boys tend to have imaginary companions who are more competent than themselves, and even heroic, while girls tend to have imaginary companions who are less competent, and even dependent (Taylor, 1999: 67-70).…”