Based on my friend and writer, Kym Dakin’s prompt, she also included a tangential component to our topic. So, that means some research on the benefits of children carrying a “lovey.”
Lo and behold, there is quite a bit of research on this topic. I’m planning only to add a small amount of it to finish the three-pronged prompt. I also intend to create more stories with Ryan and Bunny (thanks, Kathy R!).
According to a question posed to Chat GPT on this subject of carrying (research) a lovey or something similar, here are the answers given:
1. Emotional Security & ComfortDonald Winnicott, a renowned pediatrician and psychoanalyst, introduced the concept of transitional objects in the 1950s. He found that these objects help children transition from complete dependence on their caregivers to a more independent sense of self.Research has shown that lovies act as a substitute for a parent’s presence, reducing separation anxiety, especially in new or stressful situations like daycare, bedtime, or travel.
2. Stress Reduction & Emotional RegulationA study published in Cognition & Emotion (2012) found that children with a security object exhibited lower stress and anxiety levels in unfamiliar situations. Holding a familiar object helps children self-soothe and manage big emotions like fear, sadness, or frustration.
3. Sleep BenefitsStudies have shown that children who use a lovey tend to fall asleep more easily and wake up less frequently at night. The familiarity and comfort of the object can help with self-soothing during nighttime wake-ups.
4. Social & Cognitive DevelopmentTransitional objects can help children develop independence by allowing them to explore the world while feeling secure. Some studies suggest that children who engage in nurturing behaviors with their lovey (e.g., pretending to take care of it) may develop stronger empathy and caregiving skills.
5. Long-Term Benefits Research suggests that children who have a lovey may develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress later in life.
A study from the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that attachment to a transitional object was linked to secure emotional development rather than dependence.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, not every child has a lovey, or “needs” one. But, for those who do, the lovey is that emotional anchor during tough times (trauma, like my son, Ryan), and key developmental stages. It was the best thing for Ryan to carry his Boo-Boo Bunny everywhere, along with Bunny wrapped up in Ryan’s arms on his hospital bed for a decade!
I also learned that lovies are also good for adults, too. Here is something I found in my research:
Though there is no robust scientific literature on the effect of stuffed animals on adult sleep, several studies have shown that plush companions can help adults self-soothe. A 2016 study observed that holding a stuffed animal during group therapy allowed college students to better comfort themselves. No surprise there.
This tangential info reminded me of when Ryan was heading to his Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant at Duke University Hospital in late summer 2004. Of course, he had his Bunny attached at his hip (shortened from Boo-Boo Bunny). Still, as a family, we were gifted (4) large Beanie Babies to connect us all in solidarity with Ryan, no matter if we were home in Crofton, Maryland, or Durham, North Carolina.
Now, we each had our security lovey - an All-American Teddy Bear.
bSoleille!
Terri
Photo with Ryan and Bunny and "extra Bunny in 1996), as an ESPN host (Bunny peaking up from the cup), and Ryan and Bill with two out of four Teddy Bears, 2004.
Comments