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

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Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

Part of the book series: Issues in Children's and Families' Lives ((IICL,volume 12))

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 unspecified, it is likely essential for optimal childhood development, both body and mind, with many demonstrated benefits (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 benefits 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).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Program in Neuroscience, Department Veterinary Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Vet. Med., Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA

    Jaak Panksepp

  2. Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA

    Jaak Panksepp

  3. Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University Medical School, 705 Ridley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Eric L. Scott

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  1. Jaak Panksepp
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  2. Eric L. Scott
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Correspondence to Jaak Panksepp .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Division of Child and Family Development, Administration for Children and Families, L'Enfant Plaza Promenade, SW 370, Washington, 20447, District of Columbia, USA

    Aleta L. Meyer

  2. Child and Family Agency of Southeastern, Hempstead Street 255, New London, 06320, Connecticut, USA

    Thomas P. Gullotta

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Panksepp, J., Scott, E.L. (2012). Reflections on Rough and Tumble Play, Social Development, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders. In: Meyer, A., Gullotta, T. (eds) Physical Activity Across the Lifespan. Issues in Children's and Families' Lives, vol 12. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3606-5_2

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