Research Article

Fathers’ play beliefs and play participation as predictors of children’s playfulness

Number: 78 April 30, 2026
TR EN

Fathers’ play beliefs and play participation as predictors of children’s playfulness

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the roles of fathers’ play participation, play-related beliefs, and demographic characteristics in predicting preschool children’s playfulness. The participants consisted of 231 father-child dyads with preschool-aged children living in Denizli, a city located in southwestern Türkiye. Data were collected using the Parent Play Participation Scale, the Play Beliefs Scale, the Children’s Playfulness Scale, and a demographic information form. Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships among the variables. The findings indicated that fathers’ play participation positively predicted children’s playfulness and emerged as the strongest predictor. In addition, fathers’ play participation differed according to perceived income level and fathers’ age, with lower levels of participation observed among fathers with lower income and those of older age.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

etik kurul izni yüklenmiştir

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Early Childhood Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 30, 2026

Submission Date

February 6, 2026

Acceptance Date

March 23, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 78

APA
Adak Özdemir, A., & Dede, Ö. (2026). Fathers’ play beliefs and play participation as predictors of children’s playfulness. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty, 78, 50-71. https://doi.org/10.21764/maeuefd.1883837

Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Education Faculty

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