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Cited by 0Psychological Well-being and Life SatisfactionHumor Studies and ApplicationsPersonality Traits and Psychology

Childhood and Adult Playfulness: Links with Well-Being and Interpersonal Relationships

Open access
Skeryte-Kazlauskiene, Monika·2026·International Journal of Psychological Studies
DOI 10.5539/ijps.v18n2p37
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Abstract

This study examined the relationships between childhood and adult playfulness and their associations with psychological well-being, relationships, and parental bonding. Participants (N = 455) completed a survey with measures of retrospective childhood playfulness, Adult Playfulness Trait Scale (APTS), WHO-5 well-being scale, Adult Attachment Scale (AAS) about current close relationships, and retrospective Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). Results revealed a small, significant positive correlation between childhood and adult playfulness, specific to the Fun-Seeking Motivation subscale of the APTS. Both playfulness measures were positively correlated with well-being. Childhood playfulness was positively associated with parental care and negatively associated with parental protectiveness, suggesting that autonomy-supportive parenting environments facilitate playful development. Multiple regression analysis indicated that adult playfulness was significantly predicted by age, well-being, closeness to others, dependence on others (negatively), childhood playfulness, and gender, with the model accounting for 14% of variance. The findings support a dual-pathway model in which adult playfulness is shaped by both developmental factors rooted in childhood experience and concurrent social factors in adult life. These results contribute to understanding playfulness as a psychologically meaningful trait embedded within developmental and social contexts.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This study examined retrospective childhood playfulness and adult trait playfulness in relation to well-being, attachment, and parental bonding in 455 adults. It found small continuity between childhood and adult playfulness, positive links with well-being, and a regression model predicting adult playfulness from age, well-being, closeness, dependence, childhood playfulness, and gender.

Key findings

  • Childhood playfulness correlated with overall adult trait playfulness, \(r = .14\), \(p = .003\), and this was specific to the APTS Fun-Seeking Motivation subscale, \(r = .14\), \(p = .003\); correlations with Uninhibitedness (\(r = .09\), \(p = .06\)) and Spontaneity (\(r = .08\), \(p = .08\)) were not significant.
  • Both playfulness measures were positively correlated with WHO-5 well-being: childhood playfulness \(r = .12\), \(p = .01\); adult trait playfulness \(r = .17\), \(p < .001\).
  • Childhood playfulness was positively correlated with maternal and paternal Care (\(r = .12\), \(p = .01\) for both) and negatively correlated with maternal Protectiveness (\(r = -.11\), \(p = .02\)) and paternal Protectiveness (\(r = -.10\), \(p = .03\)). Adult trait playfulness was positively correlated with maternal Care (\(r = .11\), \(p = .02\)) and paternal Care (\(r = .14\), \(p = .01\)).
  • In multiple regression, the model predicting adult playfulness was significant, \(R^2 = .14\), adjusted \(R^2 = .12\), \(F(11, 435) = 6.34\), \(p < .001\). Significant predictors were age (\(B = .20\)), dependence on close others (\(\beta = -.20\)), well-being (\(\beta = .14\)), closeness to others (\(\beta = .12\)), childhood playfulness (\(\beta = .11\)), and gender (\(B = -.38\)); parental care/protectiveness and attachment anxiety were not significant predictors.

Methods

  • Participants were 455 adults recruited by nonprobability convenience sampling; mean age was 32.93 years (\(SD = 12.13\), range 18–86), and the sample was predominantly female (\(n = 381\), 84%; men \(n = 73\), 16%; one did not report gender).
  • Measures included a single retrospective childhood playfulness item, the 19-item Adult Playfulness Trait Scale (APTS), the WHO-5 well-being scale, the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), and an abbreviated Lithuanian Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI).
  • Analyses used descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression with the enter method in JASP; preliminary analyses controlled for age, gender, and educational attainment when examining APTS total and subscale relationships.

Limitations

  • The paper states that the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference, the retrospective childhood playfulness measure is subject to recall bias, effect sizes were generally small, the regression model accounted for 14% of variance, and sample characteristics/recruitment context may limit generalizability.
  • The paper also notes that cross-sectional age effects cannot be distinguished from cohort effects.
  • Evident from the text: the sample was predominantly female and recruited by convenience sampling, childhood playfulness was assessed with a single retrospective item, and parental bonding was also retrospective.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.5539/ijps.v18n2p37

Cites

28 of 28 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

18 of 53 cited sources checked · 4 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Play and playful interactions facilitate bonding, trust, and emotional closeness in both childhood and adulthood.

    “Play and playful interactions facilitate bonding, trust, and emotional closeness in both childhood and adulthood (Barnett, 1991;Proyer, 2012Proyer, , 2014a;;Whitebread et al., 2012).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Barnett, 1991

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Proyer, 2012 source

      The Discussion (page unavailable) reports an association between adult playfulness and aspirations toward good relations. It does not show that playful interactions facilitate bonding, trust, or emotional closeness, and it does not establish those effects in children. (LLM, conf=0.76)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Whitebread et al., 2012

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Premisecitation

    Playful individuals may be better equipped to maintain well-being under stress.

    “Moreover, research has highlighted the role of playfulness in adverse circumstances, suggesting that playful individuals may be better equipped to maintain well-being under stress (Magnuson & Barnett, 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Magnuson & Barnett, 2013 source
  • Premisecitation

    Studies using trait-based measures including the APTS have demonstrated consistent positive associations with global well-being indices and mental health outcomes.

    “Studies employing trait-based measures of adult playfulness, including the Adult Playfulness Trait Scale (APTS), have demonstrated consistent positive associations with global well-being indices and mental health outcomes (Proyer et al., 2021;Shen et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Proyer et al., 2021 source

      The ‘Effects of Playfulness on Well-Being and Depression’ section (page unavailable) reports robust positive correlations between playfulness and happiness, positive affect, and life satisfaction. But the Instruments section (page unavailable) says this study used the SMAP, not the APTS, and its reported decreases in depressive symptoms followed interventions rather than demonstrating a consistent trait-based association with mental health outcomes. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Shen et al., 2017 source
  • Premisecitation

    Playfulness, viewed from a developmental perspective, can be regarded as a relatively stable trait rooted in early interpersonal experiences.

    “This interpretation is consistent with research suggesting that playfulness, viewed from a developmental perspective, can be regarded as a relatively stable trait rooted in early interpersonal experiences (Brauer et al., 2024;Proyer, 2014b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Brauer et al., 2024 source

      The Adult playfulness section treats playfulness as a personality characteristic, supporting the trait portion of the claim. But the Playfulness and age section says no long-term studies were available, and the paper does not establish that playfulness is relatively stable or rooted in early interpersonal experiences. Page numbers were not provided in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Proyer, 2014b

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Premisecitation

    Adult playfulness is linked to positive psychological outcomes, including life satisfaction, positive affect, and reduced depressive symptoms.

    “This finding is consistent with a substantial body of research linking adult playfulness to positive psychological outcomes, including life satisfaction, positive affect, and reduced depressive symptoms (Proyer, 2012(Proyer, , 2014b;;Proyer et al., 2021;Brauer et al., 2024).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim3 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Proyer, 2012 source

      The Results report higher life satisfaction for people with fun and creative forms of playfulness, and the General discussion says playfulness may elicit positive emotions. It also says overall playfulness was independent of life satisfaction. Neither passage establishes reduced depressive symptoms; pages are not specified in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Proyer et al., 2021 source
    • cites Brauer et al., 2024 source
  • May combine two claims. 24
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 29

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Secure and supportive parenting environments provide opportunities for safe exploration and playful engagement, whereas controlling or emotionally distant caregiving may constrain playful expression.

    “Secure and supportive parenting environments provide opportunities for safe exploration and playful engagement, whereas controlling or emotionally distant caregiving may constrain playful expression (Fraley, 2002;Linkiewich et al., 2021;Wilhelm et al., 2016).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Fraley, 2002 source
    • cites Linkiewich et al., 2021 source

      The Discussion (Overview of findings) reports that autonomy-supportive parenting was associated with greater child autonomy during free play, while negative control predicted less autonomy and inhibited exploratory behavior. The paper does not establish that the environment was secure or that emotionally distant caregiving constrained playful expression; its measured outcome was autonomy during play. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Wilhelm et al., 2016

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In adult relationships, playfulness is associated with greater relationship satisfaction, perceived partner responsiveness, and more constructive conflict management.

    “In adult relationships, playfulness has been associated with greater relationship satisfaction, perceived partner responsiveness, and more constructive conflict management (Brauer et al., 2024;Proyer, 2012Proyer, , 2014aProyer, , 2017;;Proyer & Brauer, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim3 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Brauer et al., 2024 source

      The 'Playfulness and positive psychological functioning' section reports associations with greater relationship satisfaction and describes playfulness as a way to reduce conflict and resolve interpersonal tension. The 'Well-Being' section also reports associations with partners’ feelings of togetherness and tenderness, but neither section establishes an association with perceived partner responsiveness. Page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Proyer, 2012 source

      The Results report greater life satisfaction for adults who pursued fun and creative playfulness, but life satisfaction is not relationship satisfaction. Searches for partner responsiveness, relationship satisfaction, and conflict management found no passage in this copy addressing those relationship outcomes; the Discussion mentions relationships only as a possible area for future research. No page numbers are available in the indexed passages. (LLM, conf=0.77)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Proyer & Brauer, 2018 source

      The Introduction (page unavailable) describes playful adults as capable of using playfulness to resolve tension in social interactions, which offers limited support for the conflict-management part. It does not report an association with constructive conflict management in adult relationships, or with relationship satisfaction or perceived partner responsiveness. Study 1 discusses romantic partners as raters of playfulness, not as evidence for those outcomes. (LLM, conf=0.78)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Playful adults report more secure attachment patterns and more satisfying social relationships.

    “Emerging evidence suggests that playful adults report more secure attachment patterns and more satisfying social relationships, although this area remains relatively underexplored (Brauer et al., 2024;Proyer, 2014a;Shen et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Brauer et al., 2024 source

      The PERMA results (page unavailable) link Other-directed playfulness with positive relationships, and the Well-Being section reports prior findings on relationship satisfaction. Our copy does not report secure attachment patterns; its own findings also concern adults aged 50–98 and a specific facet of playfulness, rather than playful adults generally. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Proyer, 2014a

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Shen et al., 2017 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In adults, playfulness is linked to higher life satisfaction, greater positive affect, better adaptability, lower depressive symptoms, and more effective stress coping.

    “In adults, playfulness has been linked to higher life satisfaction, greater positive affect, better adaptability, lower depressive symptoms, and more effective stress coping (Proyer, 2014b(Proyer, , 2017;;Proyer et al., 2018;Shen et al., 2017;Van Vleet & Feeney, 2015).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Proyer, 2014b

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Proyer, 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Proyer et al., 2018 source

      The Introduction links adult playfulness to subjective well-being and coping, and the Study 2 discussion reports a relationship with positive emotions. But the discussion presents adaptability as a possibility needing further investigation, while the passages do not establish higher life satisfaction specifically or lower depressive symptoms. No page numbers are available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Playfulness is a psychological resource that enables individuals to reinterpret challenging situations in less threatening ways, supporting emotional resilience and subjective well-being.

    “From a positive psychology perspective, playfulness is conceptualized as a psychological resource that enables individuals to reinterpret challenging situations in less threatening ways, thereby supporting emotional resilience and subjective well-being (Magnuson & Barnett, 2013;Proyer & Brauer, 2023;Rubinstein et al., 2025).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Magnuson & Barnett, 2013 source

      In “Playfulness and Perceived Stress” (page unavailable), the paper suggests that playful adults may appraise stressful events as less threatening. “Playfulness and Coping” links playfulness to resilience and lower perceived stress. It does not establish an effect on subjective well-being, and its cross-sectional design does not support the claim’s causal wording. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Proyer & Brauer, 2023

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Rubinstein et al., 2025

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Brief playfulness interventions can increase both trait playfulness and subjective well-being, suggesting that the relationship between playfulness and well-being may be bidirectional.

    “Proyer et al. (2021) demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial that even brief playfulness interventions could increase both trait playfulness and subjective well-being, suggesting that the relationship between playfulness and well-being may be bidirectional.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Proyer et al. (2021) source

      The Discussion (page unavailable) reports that the brief placebo-controlled intervention increased self-reported playfulness and produced small increases in well-being. The paper does not test whether increased well-being, in turn, increases trait playfulness, so the trial does not establish the suggested bidirectional relationship. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Playfulness expressions in middle- and older-age adults were comparable to those of younger adults and were positively associated with life satisfaction and well-being.

    “Brauer et al. (2024) similarly found that playfulness expressions in middle-and older-age adults were comparable to those of younger adults and were positively associated with life satisfaction and well-being.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brauer et al. (2024) source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Playfulness is linked to greater attachment security, with playful individuals tending to adopt positive views of their relationships and engaging in behaviors that foster trust and bonding.

    “Research has demonstrated that playfulness is linked to greater attachment security, with playful individuals tending to adopt positive views of their relationships and engaging in behaviors that foster trust and bonding (Brauer et al., 2024).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brauer et al., 2024 source

      The 'Playfulness and positive psychological functioning' section says playfulness can help increase trust and maintain relationships, and the 'Well-Being' section links other-directed playfulness to positive relationships and feelings of togetherness. Neither passage establishes greater attachment security or says playful individuals adopt positive views of their relationships. Page numbers were not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Parental controlling behaviors inhibit children's exploratory behaviors and autonomy development, whereas autonomy-supportive parenting promotes engagement in play.

    “Research supports the notion that parental controlling behaviors inhibit children's exploratory behaviors and autonomy development, whereas autonomy-supportive parenting promotes engagement in play (Linkiewich et al., 2021).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Linkiewich et al., 2021 source

      The Discussion (Overview of findings; page unavailable) says parental negative control predicted less autonomy during play and states that controlling behavior inhibits exploration and autonomy development. It also reports that autonomy-supportive behavior was associated with children directing play, but it does not establish that such parenting promotes engagement in play itself; the measured outcome was autonomy during play. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Educational attainment was significantly correlated with Fun-Seeking Motivation.

    “Educational attainment was significantly correlated with the APTS total score (r(444) = .12,p = .01),as well as with Fun-Seeking Motivation (r(444) = .15,p < .01)and Uninhibitedness (r(444) = .12,p = .01),but not with the Spontaneity subscale (r(444) = .01,p = .82).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    APTS total score and all subscales were significantly correlated with age, with higher age associated with higher reported playfulness.

    “Scores on the Adult Playfulness Trait Scale (APTS) and all of its subscales were significantly correlated with participants' age, higher age was associated with higher reported playfulness (APTS total score: r = .18,p < .001;Fun-Seeking Motivation: r = .14,p = .002;Uninhibitedness: r = .21,p < .001;Spontaneity: r = .11,p = .02).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Educational attainment was not significantly correlated with the Spontaneity subscale.

    “Educational attainment was significantly correlated with the APTS total score (r(444) = .12,p = .01),as well as with Fun-Seeking Motivation (r(444) = .15,p < .01)and Uninhibitedness (r(444) = .12,p = .01),but not with the Spontaneity subscale (r(444) = .01,p = .82).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both childhood and adult playfulness measures were positively correlated with well-being.

    “Both playfulness measures were positively correlated with well-being.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Retrospective measures of childhood playfulness capture individual differences in childhood proneness to play, reflecting developmental patterns that may persist into adulthood.
    • Rests on an assumption: Responding to open-ended questions about childhood activities and play experiences before the single retrospective item facilitates recall and enhances response accuracy.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Educational attainment was significantly correlated with Uninhibitedness.

    “Educational attainment was significantly correlated with the APTS total score (r(444) = .12,p = .01),as well as with Fun-Seeking Motivation (r(444) = .15,p < .01)and Uninhibitedness (r(444) = .12,p = .01),but not with the Spontaneity subscale (r(444) = .01,p = .82).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    No significant gender difference was found for the Uninhibitedness subscale.

    “No significant gender difference was found for the Uninhibitedness subscale (t(452) = 0.65, p = .51).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The effect sizes observed were generally small, and the regression model accounted for 14% of the variance in adult playfulness, indicating that additional factors not examined contribute to individual differences in playfulness.

    “Second, the effect sizes observed were generally small, and the regression model accounted for 14% of the variance in adult playfulness, indicating that additional factors not examined in this study contribute to individual differences in playfulness.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Age emerged as the strongest predictor of adult playfulness in the regression model, with older adults reporting higher levels of playfulness.

    “Age emerged as the strongest predictor of adult playfulness in the regression model, with older adults reporting higher levels of playfulness.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Children's playfulness is closely associated with social competence, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility.

    “Research in developmental psychology indicates that children's playfulness is closely associated with social competence, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility (Barnett, 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Barnett, 2011 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    In the present sample, the APTS Spontaneity subscale had an internal consistency of α = .86.

    “In the present sample, internal consistency was α = .85for the total scale and α = .71,α = .66,and α = .86for the Fun-Seeking Motivation, Uninhibitedness, and Spontaneity subscales, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Subsequent analyses examining relationships involving the APTS total score and subscales were conducted while controlling for participants' age, gender, and educational attainment.

    “In light of these associations, subsequent analyses examining relationships involving the APTS total score and subscales were conducted while controlling for participants' age, gender, and educational attainment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Parental bonding was operationalized using a three-factor model comprising Care, Protectiveness (behavioral control), and Authoritarianism, as proposed by Kendler (1996) and empirically supported by Tsaousis et al. (2012).

    “In the present study, parental bonding was operationalized using a three-factor model comprising Care, Protectiveness (behavioral control), and Authoritarianism, as proposed by Kendler (1996) and empirically supported by Tsaousis et al. (2012).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Kendler, 1996 source
    • cites Tsaousis et al., 2012 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Before the main analyses, the data were screened for accuracy, missing values, and adherence to statistical assumptions.

    “Before the main analyses, the data were screened for accuracy, missing values, and adherence to statistical assumptions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    All planned analyses were conducted using parametric methods because the applied parametric procedures are robust to moderate violations of normality, particularly when using established psychometric scales and a large sample size.

    “Given the robustness of the applied parametric procedures to moderate violations of normalityparticularly when using established psychometric scales and a large sample size -all planned analyses were conducted using parametric methods -means, standard deviations, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression analysis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Play contributes to cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

    “Play has long been recognized as a fundamental component of human development and psychological functioning, contributing to cognitive, social, and emotional growth (Whitebread et al., 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Whitebread et al., 2012

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    In the present sample, the APTS Uninhibitedness subscale had an internal consistency of α = .66.

    “In the present sample, internal consistency was α = .85for the total scale and α = .71,α = .66,and α = .86for the Fun-Seeking Motivation, Uninhibitedness, and Spontaneity subscales, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the original validation study, the APTS total scale had an internal consistency of α = .89, with subscale reliabilities ranging from α = .66 to α = .86.

    “In the original validation study, internal consistency for the total scale was reported as α = .89,with subscale reliabilities ranging from α = .66to α = .86(Shen et al., 2014b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Shen et al., 2014b

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    In the present sample, the WHO-5 demonstrated good internal consistency (α = .82).

    “In the present sample, the scale demonstrated good internal consistency (α = .82).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisecitation

    Adult playfulness is a personality-related tendency to approach situations with curiosity, enjoyment, and cognitive flexibility.

    “A growing body of empirical work conceptualizes adult playfulness as a personality-related tendency to approach situations with curiosity, enjoyment, and cognitive flexibility (Proyer, 2017;Shen et al., 2014a).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Proyer, 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Shen et al., 2014a

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Adult playfulness is a psychologically meaningful and relatively stable personality characteristic.

    “More recent research conceptualizes adult playfulness not merely as a residual feature of childhood behavior but as a psychologically meaningful and relatively stable personality characteristic, although multiple theoretical approaches to its conceptualization exist (Proyer & Brauer, 2023).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Proyer & Brauer, 2023

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In the original validation studies, the AAS subscale internal consistency coefficients ranged from α = .78 to α = .85 across three samples.

    “In the original validation studies, internal consistency coefficients for the subscales ranged from α = .78to α = .85across three samples (Collins & Read, 1990).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Collins & Read, 1990 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    In the present sample, the APTS Fun-Seeking Motivation subscale had an internal consistency of α = .71.

    “In the present sample, internal consistency was α = .85for the total scale and α = .71,α = .66,and α = .86for the Fun-Seeking Motivation, Uninhibitedness, and Spontaneity subscales, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    In the present sample, the APTS total scale had an internal consistency of α = .85.

    “In the present sample, internal consistency was α = .85for the total scale and α = .71,α = .66,and α = .86for the Fun-Seeking Motivation, Uninhibitedness, and Spontaneity subscales, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Self-Determination Theory emphasizes that autonomy-the sense of volition and choice in one's actions-is a fundamental psychological need, and that it is distinct from independence.

    “This interpretation is consistent with Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes that autonomy -the sense of volition and choice in one's actions -is a fundamental psychological need, and that it is distinct from independence (Ryan & Deci, 2000).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ryan & Deci, 2000 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Playfulness was stable across the lifespan, with individuals under 40 years of age reporting comparatively lower scores.

    “Proyer (2014b) found in a large cross-sectional sample of over 4,000 adults that playfulness was stable across the lifespan, with individuals under 40 years of age reporting comparatively lower scores.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Proyer (2014b)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The sample characteristics and recruitment context may limit generalizability.

    “Third, the sample characteristics and recruitment context may limit generalizability.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The cross-sectional design of this study cannot distinguish age effects from cohort effects, and longitudinal data would be needed to confirm the interpretation.

    “It should be noted, however, that the cross-sectional design of this study cannot distinguish age effects from cohort effects, and longitudinal data would be needed to confirm this interpretation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Parental care combined with lower protectiveness appears to create conditions favorable for the emergence of childhood playfulness, which in turn shows continuity with the fun-seeking motivational component of adult playfulness.

    “Parental care combined with lower protectiveness appears to create conditions favorable for the emergence of childhood playfulness, which in turn shows continuity with the fun-seeking motivational component of adult playfulness.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Retrospective reports of childhood playfulness accurately reflect participants' actual childhood playfulness.
    • Rests on an assumption: Retrospective perceptions of parental bonding accurately reflect participants' actual childhood parental care and protectiveness.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Within the APTS framework, fun-seeking motivation is conceptualized as the core motivational engine underlying playful behavior-the intrinsic drive to seek out experiences that are entertaining and personally engaging.

    “Within the APTS framework, fun-seeking motivation is conceptualized as the core motivational engine underlying playful behavior -the intrinsic drive to seek out experiences that are entertaining and personally engaging (Shen et al., 2014a).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Shen et al., 2014a

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    While parental bonding patterns may influence childhood playfulness, the relationship between parental bonding and adult playfulness may be more indirect-perhaps mediated by childhood playfulness itself.

    “This suggests that while parental bonding patterns may influence childhood playfulness, the relationship between parental bonding and adult playfulness may be more indirectperhaps mediated by childhood playfulness itself.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Retrospective reports of childhood playfulness accurately reflect participants' actual childhood playfulness.
    • Rests on an assumption: Retrospective perceptions of parental bonding accurately reflect participants' actual childhood parental care and protectiveness.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Gender differences in playfulness have been noted in prior research, though findings have been inconsistent across studies and measures.

    “Gender differences in playfulness have been noted in prior research, though findings have been inconsistent across studies and measures (Proyer, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Proyer, 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The specificity of the link between childhood playfulness and fun-seeking motivation may indicate that the motivational orientation toward fun and novelty is the dimension of playfulness most closely tied to early developmental patterns, whereas uninhibitedness and spontaneity may be more strongly shaped by later social and contextual influences.

    “The specificity of this link may indicate that the motivational orientation toward fun and novelty is the dimension of playfulness most closely tied to early developmental patterns, whereas uninhibitedness and spontaneity may be more strongly shaped by later social and contextual influences.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    These findings highlight the importance of considering playfulness not as an isolated personality trait, but as embedded within a broader developmental and social context.

    “These findings highlight the importance of considering playfulness not as an isolated personality trait, but as embedded within a broader developmental and social context.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Individuals high in dependence may experience their relationships as a source of emotional reliance rather than mutual exploration, which may constrain the freedom and spontaneity that characterize playful engagement.

    “Conversely, individuals high in dependence may experience their relationships as a source of emotional reliance rather than mutual exploration, which may constrain the freedom and spontaneity that characterize playful engagement.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The present findings may reflect differential socialization experiences, whereby women are more encouraged to express playful and emotionally expressive behaviors in social contexts.

    “The present findings may reflect differential socialization experiences, whereby women are more encouraged to express playful and emotionally expressive behaviors in social contexts.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Self-Determination Theory posits that individuals thrive when their psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are met.

    “This pattern is consistent with Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000), which posits that individuals thrive when their psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are met.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ryan & Deci, 2000 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The present study supports the notion that adult playfulness is a psychologically meaningful trait with roots in both early developmental experiences and current social functioning.

    “In conclusion, the present study supports the notion that adult playfulness is a psychologically meaningful trait with roots in both early developmental experiences and current social functioning.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Older adults may have greater psychological security, life experience, and freedom from occupational pressures, which create conditions more conducive to playful engagement.

    “One possible explanation is that older adults may have greater psychological security, life experience, and freedom from occupational pressures, which create conditions more conducive to playful engagement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Age-related increases in emotional regulation and perspective-taking may facilitate the cognitive reframing that underlies playfulness.

    “Alternatively, age-related increases in emotional regulation and perspective-taking may facilitate the cognitive reframing that underlies playfulness (Proyer, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Proyer, 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

48 of 48

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There is a gap in research: relatively little research has examined how different operationalizations of playfulness, such as trait-based measures and retrospective assessments of childhood playfulness, jointly relate to adult well-being.

    “Despite these advances, relatively little research has examined how different operationalizations of playfulness, such as trait-based measures and retrospective assessments of childhood playfulness, jointly relate to adult well-being.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Retrospective measures of childhood playfulness capture individual differences in childhood proneness to play, reflecting developmental patterns that may persist into adulthood.

    “Such retrospective measures may capture individual differences in childhood proneness to play, reflecting developmental patterns that may persist into adulthood.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Responding to open-ended questions about childhood activities and play experiences before the single retrospective item facilitates recall and enhances response accuracy.

    “Before this item, participants responded to open-ended questions about their childhood activities and play experiences to facilitate recall and enhance response accuracy.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Retrospective reports of childhood playfulness accurately reflect participants' actual childhood playfulness.

    “Retrospectively reported childhood playfulness was significantly correlated with overall adult trait playfulness as measured by the APTS, r = .14,p = .003.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Retrospective perceptions of parental bonding accurately reflect participants' actual childhood parental care and protectiveness.

    “Adult trait playfulness was also significantly associated with parental bonding, showing positive correlations with both maternal and paternal Care (see Table 2).”
5 of 5

Statistics recomputed

Every reported test result, recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom. A result shows as not adding up only once an independent check has confirmed it.

  • Consistentt(452) = 2.14reported p = .03 · recomputed p = .033

    “t(452) = 2.14, p = .03”

  • Consistentt(452) = 2.1reported p = .04 · recomputed p = .036

    “t(452) = 2.10, p = .04”

  • Consistentt(452) = 2.22reported p = .03 · recomputed p = .027

    “t(452) = 2.22, p = .03”

  • Consistentt(452) = 0.65reported p = .51 · recomputed p = .516

    “t(452) = 0.65, p = .51”

  • Consistentr(444) = 0.12reported p = .01 · recomputed p = .011

    “r(444) = .12,p = .01”

  • Consistentr(444) = 0.15reported p < .01 · recomputed p = .001

    “r(444) = .15,p < .01”

  • Consistentr(444) = 0.01reported p = .82 · recomputed p = .833

    “r(444) = .01,p = .82”

  • ConsistentF(11, 435) = 6.34reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “F(11, 435) = 6.34, p < .001”

  • Consistentt(435) = 4.31reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001

    “t(435) = 4.31, p < .001”

  • Consistentt(435) = -3.14reported p = .002 · recomputed p = .002

    “t(435) = -3.14, p = .002”

  • Consistentt(435) = 3.08reported p = .002 · recomputed p = .002

    “t(435) = 3.08, p = .002”

  • Consistentt(435) = 2.12reported p = .034 · recomputed p = .035

    “t(435) = 2.12, p = .034”

  • Consistentt(435) = 2.43reported p = .016 · recomputed p = .016

    “t(435) = 2.43, p = .016”

  • Consistentt(435) = -3.28reported p = .001 · recomputed p = .001

    “t(435) = -3.28,p = .001”

14 of 14

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Maternal care mean exceeds the scale's maximum

    Major

    The method specifies three care items per parent, each scored from 0 to 3 and summed. Maternal care therefore cannot exceed 9, but Table 1 reports a mean of 9.38.

  • Parental-bonding factor has conflicting labels

    Minor

    The method calls the third parental-bonding factor Authoritarianism, while Table 1 labels it authoritativeness for both parents. These name different parenting constructs, leaving the reported factor unclear.

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

3 of the 31 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Barnett, L. A. (1991). The playful child: Measurement of a disposition to play. Play & Culture, 4(1), 51-74.
  2. Proyer, R. T., & Brauer, K. (2018). Playfulness and relationship satisfaction: Evidence from actor-partner interdependence models. Journal of Research in Personality, 74, 97-106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2018.02.004 · DOI

Authors
Skeryte-Kazlauskiene, M.
Venue
International Journal of Psychological Studies
Publisher
Canadian Center of Science and Education
Published
2026-03-30
Volume
18
Issue
2
Pages
37
ISSN
  • 1918-7211 (ISSN-L)
  • 1918-722X
DOI
10.5539/ijps.v18n2p37
OpenAlex
W7143457426
Semantic Scholar
e5de87628d8331ad010dc2a03b85b56e2f6ceff8
Cited by
0
References
31
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Open access
Licence
Locations
International Journal of Psychological Studies (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Humor Studies and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Traits and Psychology
Keywords
playfulness, adult playfulness, psychological well-being, interpersonal relationships, parental bonding, parental care, parental autonomy support, adult attachment, dual-pathway model, personality traits

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-17.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-17.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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