Psychology: Playing with dolls helps children develop empathy and social skills, study shows

Playing with dolls uses a brain region that helps children develop empathy for other people and social processing skills, a study has discovered. Researchers from Cardiff found that doll play activated the use of the so-called posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) more than other creative activities. In addition, the social benefits of the dolls were observed even when children played alone -- rather than with others -- and were equal among girls and boys. The findings support the pioneering theories of the Swiss'father of developmental psychology' Jean Piaget, who argued in 1945 that pretend play was inherently social. 'We use this area of the brain when we think about other people, especially when we think about another person's thoughts or feelings,' said paper author and developmental researcher Sarah Gerson of Cardiff University.