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Gepubliceerd in:

01-02-2013 | Original Article

Nighttime Fears and Fantasy–Reality Differentiation in Preschool Children

Auteurs: Tamar Zisenwine, Michal Kaplan, Jonathan Kushnir, Avi Sadeh

Gepubliceerd in: Child Psychiatry & Human Development | Uitgave 1/2013

Abstract

Nighttime fears are very common in preschool years. During these years, children’s fantasy–reality differentiation undergoes significant development. Our study was aimed at exploring the links between nighttime fears and fantasy–reality differentiation in preschool children. Eighty children (aged: 4–6 years) suffering from severe nighttime fears were compared with 32 non-fearful controls. Fears were assessed using child and parental reports. Children viewed images depicting fantastic or real entities and situations, and were asked to report whether these were imaginary or could occur in real life. The results revealed that children with nighttime fears demonstrated more fantasy–reality confusion compared to their controls. These differences in fantasy–reality differentiation were more pronounced in younger children. Additional significant associations were found between fantasy–reality differentiation and age and specific characteristics of the stimuli. These preliminary findings, suggesting a developmental delay in fantasy–reality differentiation in children with nighttime fears, have significant theoretical and clinical implications.

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Titel: Nighttime Fears and Fantasy–Reality Differentiation in Preschool Children
Auteurs: Tamar Zisenwine
Michal Kaplan
Jonathan Kushnir
Avi Sadeh
Publicatiedatum: 01-02-2013
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Child Psychiatry & Human Development / Uitgave 1/2013
Print ISSN: 0009-398X
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-012-0318-x

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