Il comportamento di gioco nei bambini nati pretermine: uno studio longitudinale a 18 e 24 mesi

Only few studies have analysed play behaviour of preterm children, as indicator of symbolic competence; therefore, the available data do not permit to clarify whether play development proceeds in similar way both in preterm and in full-term children. This research investigates preterm children’s play, in order to highlight possible similarities or differences with respect to play activities produced by children born at term. Thirty children (15 full term and 15 preterm with a gestational age ≤ 32 weeks) were observed longitudinally, during a free play session with toys, at 18 and 24 months respectively; play materials, time duration and setting were maintained constant across observational sessions. Results show that prematurity influences both productivity level and typology of play, although the developmental trend is similar for both groups.