What did Gilmore (1966) find about toy preferences in hospitalized children?

• A. Non-hospital related toys
• B. Hospital-related toys
• C. Outdoor toys
• D. Digital toys

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how a child’s hospital environment shapes what they choose to play with. Gilmore’s study showed that hospitalized children prefer toys that reflect the hospital setting—hospital-related toys—because these items help them make sense of their experience, rehearse medical procedures, and gain a sense of control in a scary situation. Playing with hospital-themed equipment, dolls, or props lets children act out what’s happening to them, express fears, and normalize the routine of care, which can reduce anxiety and aid coping. This finding supports why child life programs emphasize providing hospital-related play materials to help children cope with hospitalization.