Introduction
The intention of this literature review is to give a context of the study by demonstrating the key themes and to give an overview of the recent issues that relates to the Rough and Tumble (R&T) play. This review will base on some biological and psychological perspectives. Firstly, there is an overview of different definitions that contributes to rough and tumble play. Later, the review will provide an examination of the proposed impacts on this play including different debates that have been discussed about the nature of rough and tumble behaviours. Thirdly, there will be a focus on exploring the society issues that influence children’s rough and tumble play. Cultural and gender issues will be addressed in order …show more content…
This type of gross motor play does not result in injury to any participants and typically playful and nonaggressive (McGrew, 1969; Blurton Johns,1976; cited by Pellegrini, 1987). Examples of R&T include play chasing and play wrestling. Many research has been conducted by ethologists (e.g., Harlow, 1962; Blurton Jones, 1972a; Smith, 1982; Hinde, 1983) in order to observing the animals’ behaviours originally. These ethologists then have outlined the interesting developmental trends in children’s R&T play and have hypothesized some functions of R&T play, such as this play may not only provide the opportunities for children to practice social interaction skills (Smith 1982) but also enable them to ‘blow off excess energy’ during the rest of time in school (Smith & Hagan, 1980; cited by Pellegrini). Thus, psychologists and educators have been interested in such topic of play and its implication on children’s …show more content…
In fact, the differences between these two term are well documented and studied. Basing on Javis (2007), Tom Reed and Mac Brown (2000) and Blurton Jones (1972a)’s research, three distinctions will be explained. Javis argues the fact that R&T sustains longer than aggression, which is less intensive and more playful. Children exhibit positive effect (e.g., laughing) in R&T play and negative effect (e.g., frown) in aggressive behaviour relatively (Blurton Jones, 1972a). Within such a play, injury of participants is less likely to result in and more likely to build their relationship though they are ‘combatants’. Instead of getting injured, children might show care of others within R&T play. According to Tom Reed and Mac Brown (2000), the qualitative research was conducted for examination boys engaging in R&T play and the ways they expressed care to their peers. The results of this study are clear illustration on where and when it was appropriate to express care and intimacy for one another, which often is contrary to traditional ideas about play and recess. However, less evidence on how girls express care during R&T play. Further, the environments that occurs aggression and R&T play are differ. R&T play are more likely to take place on playgrounds whereas aggressive behaviours happen in the presence of play objects, usually accompany with property disputes (Blurton Jones,