This month’s Play Note focuses on being playful as an enduring characteristic versus individual events during which you play.
Overview
In the November 2024 Play Note, we explored how engaging in play allows us to enter a play state—a transitory psychological state of creativity, engagement, and joy. But what if play is not just something we do occasionally? What if playfulness is a trait we carry with us (i.e., it is wired in our brain), shaping how we engage with the world every day? This Play Note explores the idea of playfulness as a personality trait—one that can be cultivated and strengthened (via neuroplasticity), ultimately leading to greater well-being.
State vs. Trait: What’s the Difference?
Psychologists distinguish between states and traits when describing behavior and personality. A state is a temporary condition—a passing emotion or mindset that arises due to a stimulus in our environment. For example, when someone is fully engaged talking and laughing with friends, or losing themselves in a creative activity, they enter a play state—a momentary experience of engagement and contentment. The play state arises because some aspect of the environment (e.g., treasured friends, a favorite hobby) activates subcortical play circuits in our brain. The state fades when the stimulus is gone.
A trait, on the other hand, is an abiding aspect of our personality, regularly influencing how we think, feel, and act. Just as optimism and curiosity are personality traits that shape how people perceive and engage with the world, playfulness is also a trait—one that enables individuals to actively seek and create the stimuli that trigger playful experiences in life situations, even when least expected.
Playfulness as a Personality Trait
Playfulness is recognized as a personality trait that allows people to approach life with curiosity, humor, and an openness to spontaneity. People with a strong playfulness trait tend to reframe situations creatively, turn mundane tasks into enjoyable activities, and engage with others in a lighthearted way. Often they trigger full-on play states in themselves and others in the immediate environment. Regardless of the specific style, playful individuals tend to be more adaptable, socially engaged, and resilient.
Over the past 30 years, a good deal of research has been focused on measuring Playfulness as a personal characteristic, particularly adult playfulness. As we discussed in the July 2024 Play Note, significant recent work on playfulness has been done by Rene Proyer (Germany) and by Xiangyou (Sharon) Shen (Penn State and Oregon State).
- Proyer developed a 12-question assessment tool, the OLIW Model, which measures the four characteristics of adult playfulness: “Other Directed”, “Lighthearted”, “Intellectual” and “Whimsical”. Using that model, Proyer’s lab has published research papers on how adult playfulness contributes to positive outcomes in the areas of senior well-being, strength of character, human sexuality, and sensation seeking.
- Shen conducted research to develop and validate a 19-item Adult Playfulness Trait Scale (APTS) questionnaire which assesses one’s disposition (“drive”) for three playful behaviors: “Spontaneity”, “Uninhibitedness”, and“Fun-Seeking Motivation” (which is further made up of: “Fun Belief”, “Initiative” and “Reactivity”). Shen has published research on how playfulness affects creativity, mental health interventions, and parenting.
Can We Become More Playful?
The good news is that playfulness isn’t something we have or don’t have, it is something we can cultivate. Since optimism and creativity can be enhanced through awareness of their benefits and deliberate practice, research also suggests that playfulness, which is linked to cognitive flexibility and a positive mindset, can be similarly cultivated (Proyer, 2021). By intentionally engaging in and being open to playful activities, we can develop a more playful personality over time.
In his book, A Playful Path, Bernie DeKoven suggests that playfulness is not just about engaging in structured games—it is a mindset that can transform everyday experiences. He encourages people to embrace small, playful acts in daily life, such as enjoying nonsense –e.g., making silly faces-– without feeling self conscious, finding humor in ordinary situations and inventing playful challenges. Peter Gray fully supports DeKoven’s guidance (Gray, 2021) and emphasizes the importance of playfulness in fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and mental well-being.
The Mental Well-Being Benefits of Playfulness
Playfulness is not just about having fun—it also has profound psychological and physical benefits. Studies indicate that people who exhibit playful traits tend to experience lower stress levels, improved mood, and stronger social connections. A playful outlook encourages cognitive flexibility, helping individuals navigate challenges with a sense of humor and resilience. Moreover, playfulness fosters a sense of joy and curiosity, which can counterbalance the pressures of everyday life.
Conclusion: Cultivating Playfulness for a More Playful Life
While a play state is a temporary immersion in joyful activity, a playfulness trait is a lasting aspect of personality that enables us to bring play into any situation. Research suggests that by intentionally engaging in playful activities, we can nurture and strengthen this trait, leading to a happier and more adaptable life. As Bernie DeKoven and Peter Gray highlight, playfulness isn’t just a luxury—it’s a powerful tool for mental well-being. By embracing playfulness in our daily lives, we can cultivate a sense of lightness, creativity, and joy that enriches both ourselves and those around us.
References
De Koven, B. (2013). A Playful Path. ETC Press. https://www.aplayfulpath.com/
Gray, P. (2014). A Playful Path, and DeKoven’s Advice for Getting Back on It. Psychology Today.
Proyer, R. T., Gander, F., Brauer, K., & Chick, G. (2021). Can playfulness be stimulated? A randomized placebo‐controlled online playfulness intervention study on effects on trait playfulness, well‐being, and depression. Applied Psychology: Health and Well‐Being, 13(1), 129-151. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12220
Proyer, R. T. (2017). A new structural model for the study of adult playfulness: Assessment and exploration of an understudied individual differences variable. Personality and Individual Differences, 108, 113–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2016.12.011Shen, X.S., Chick, G., & Zinn, H (2014). Playfulness in adulthood as a personality trait: A reconceptualization and a new measurement. Journal of Leisure Research, 46(1), 58-83. https://www.nrpa.org/globalassets/journals/jlr/2014/volume-46/jlr-volume-46-number-1-pp-58-83.pdf
