Play and Early Childhood Psychological Development: Pathways, Mechanisms and Outcomes Volume II

Volume I of this Research Topic here attracted outstanding interest from the research community, with submissions arriving at a pace that filled its capacity ahead of schedule. Given this response, the submission window for Volume I has closed early, and we are launching Volume II to continue welcoming the high-quality contributions this topic continues to generate.Play forms a central pillar in the field of early childhood developmental psychology, offering a rich context through which to examine the emergence of social, emotional, cognitive and communicative abilities. Although the essential nature of play is widely accepted by researchers and educators, its strategic inclusion in preschool curricula varies significantly around the globe. Recent studies underscore the profound impact of play-based experiences on fostering key domains such as imagination, emotional regulation, social cognition and advanced communication. These formative skills not only support children’s immediate well-being but are crucial precursors for academic abilities, including early literacy and numeracy. Nevertheless, substantial gaps remain in fully delineating how diverse play activities shape particular developmental pathways, how cultural and contextual differences modulate these effects, and in understanding the enduring consequences of limited play opportunities during early years. Current debates revolve around how to balance structured academic goals with unstructured play, the comparative developmental relevance of different play forms, and the broader societal values influencing curricular priorities.This Research Topic aims to deepen and clarify understanding of the many ways in which play influences young children’s psychological development. It seeks to illuminate the intricate mechanisms spanning cognitive, emotional and social domains by which varied play experiences scaffold crucial aspects of growth. Central questions include how distinct types of play contribute to foundational abilities, which factors facilitate or hinder meaningful play in early learning environments, and what the longer-term implications are for both typical and atypical developmental trajectories. By consolidating research from multiple perspectives, the objective is to inform educational practices, curriculum design and policy frameworks that meaningfully account for the comprehensive value of play during preschool years.This Research Topic concentrates on the dynamic intersection between play and child psychological development, with attention to cross-disciplinary insights, contextual influences and pathway-specific effects. Contributions should focus on early childhood, particularly within the preschool age range, and address both typical and diverse developmental populations. To gather further insights in the intersection of play and child psychological development, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• The relationship between play and cognitive development• Play as a medium for social awareness and social cognition• Play and emotional self-regulation in early childhood• The role of play in language and communicative development• Play and the cultivation of imagination and symbolic thought• Play’s influence on executive function and learning readiness• Play in inclusive and special education contexts• Variations in play and developmental outcomes across cultures and regions• Methodological innovations in the study of play• Approaches that promote equity, rigor and scientific transparencyAppendix: We welcome original research articles, theoretical reviews, meta-analyses, case studies and interdisciplinary perspectives. Topic editors: Yulia Solovieva, Claudia Ximena González-Moreno Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85566/play-and-early-childhood-psychological-development-pathways-mechanisms-and-outcomes-volume-ii