Rough-and-Tumble Play: Developmental and Educational Significance

Abstract

The developmental and educational roles of rough-and-tumble play (R&T) are reviewed. R&T is defined and theories explaining R&T are critiqued. Factors affecting its occurrence (i.e., gender and ecological variables) are reviewed, and the functional significance of R&T is explored. Methodological problems are discussed, such as the confounding of R&T with aggression, in the recent work on R&T. Generally, it is concluded that R&T serves as a positive function in children's social cognitive development.