Reflections on Rough and Tumble Play, Social Development, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders

Abstract

The urge for physical play in mammals, including humans, is built into the nervous system (Panksepp, 2008 ) . This has been rigorously demonstrated in laboratory animals (Ikemoto & Panksepp, 1992 ) . Although the precise functions of physical play remain unspeci fi ed, it is likely essential for optimal childhood development, both body and mind, with many demonstrated bene fi ts (Burgdorf, Kroes, Beinfeld, Panksepp, & Moskal, 2010 ; Panksepp, 1993, 2010 ) . We propose that play forms the backbone of young children’s daily life through spontaneous social learning that enhances social interactions, promotes learning, and provides positive affect that may increase psychological resilience. In fact, we now know that play provides considerable bene fi ts in young animals, where the necessary detailed behavioral work can be done (as summarized in Burgdorf et al., 2010 ; Burgdorf, Panksepp, & Moskal, 2011 ; Gordon, Burke, Akil, Watson, & Panksepp, 2003 ; Panksepp, Siviy, & Normansell, 1984 ; Pellis & Pellis, 2009 ; Vanderschuren, 2010 ) .