A network model for human playfulness during war

Abstract

This novel study investigates adult playfulness during recent wartime in the Middle East using the OLIW model of playfulness and the concept of fantastic reality ability to utilize imagination in response to stress and trauma. Through a network analysis approach, we explore the relationships between playfulness, resilience, and clinical symptoms among N = 1511 Israeli participants. Our findings highlight the nuanced dynamics of playfulness amidst adversity. Notably, playfulness—particularly lighthearted playfulness—emerges as closely linked to resilience, suggesting its role as a coping mechanism during war. Additionally, the centrality of dissociation and transcendence within the network underscores their importance as potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, our analysis highlights the potential roles of playful imagination and control, advocating for the testing of tailored interventions to enhance coping strategies and mental health outcomes in war-affected populations. This study offers valuable insights into responses to adversity, with implications for promoting resilience and mitigating the impact of trauma.