Question

How might Piaget have explained the emergence of make- believe during the preschool years? How would Erikson explain it?

Answer 1

According to Piaget emergence of make-believe plays during the early years of preschool years is way of developing sophisticated mental representation of the world around them. Piaget views it as the decline of their egocentric thinking and inclusion of the views of others. They now like the participation of other children as pretenders in their games. Thus, make-believe are important for cognitive development of children.

Erikson explains make-believe as taking initiatives to understand themselves and the world around them. Make-believes would help children learn to engage and cooperate with others to achieve their shared goals. Thus, make-believes are important for for psychosocial development of children.