Play and optimal welfare: Does play indicate the presence of positive affective states?
Spinka, M., Newberry, R.C., Bekoff, M.
· 2001
★ NIFPlay Rating: 8
Rating Scale
10 Rigorous play-specific science
6–9 General biological science
5 Sound play research (uncontrolled)
1–4 Less rigorous / indirect
0 Indirect but high value
Reviews evidence that play behavior serves as a reliable behavioral indicator of positive affective states in animals, with implications for animal welfare assessment.
