CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT: A STUDY OF THE IMAGINATIVE PLAY OF CAMBODIAN AND BLACK PRESCHOOLERS

Developmental and cultural aspects of the imaginative play behavior of Cambodian and Black preschool children were investigated in order to further the understanding of the role these elements play in imaginative expression. A second area of investigation was the appropriateness of Sandplay as a cross-cultural evaluative tool.; Ten four to five year old children from each cultural group were seen for four weekly Sandplay sessions in which toys designed for the study were used. Parents and teachers were interviewed. All play sessions were videotaped. Sessions were rated on ten variables. T tests of the variables indicated no significant difference between groups: two approached.05 significance pointing to the possibility that developmental similarities may outweigh cultural and experiential differences. Vignettes and case studies further illustrate areas of similarity and difference. Consistency and change in the children's play over time were also evaluated. The findings suggest that the slight differences seen in the children's play can primarily be attributed to the greater command of English held by the Black children.; Play themes commonly shared by both groups were dominant while some themes emerged as salient in only Black or Cambodian play. These closely mesh with those delineated in the literature regarding preschool play, interests and developmental landmarks. Play styles showed some group differences. Case studies of children from each group illustrate the fact that Cambodian and Black children used their sessions similarly to explore their experiences.; The findings strongly suggest that the children's developmental stage is a greater determinant of imaginative play behaviours than are cultural group or experiential factors. The children's use of play for self expression and mastery was documented. It was found that a standardized form of Sandplay can serve as a research tool and holds promise for further investigation.