For generations, dolls have been seen as simple toys mainly used for entertainment. But new research suggests that playing with dolls may support an important part of children’s development: the ability to understand other people’s thoughts, feelings and perspectives.
While many modern toys are designed to teach specific skills such as mathematics, technology or problem-solving, researchers say doll play can help children develop social understanding by encouraging them to create stories, imagine different characters and explore emotions.
When children play with dolls, they do more than invent imaginary scenarios. They practice taking on different roles, predicting how characters might react and thinking about what others may want or feel — skills linked to empathy and social interaction.
Study compares dolls with tablet games
Researchers from Cardiff University and King’s College London examined whether playing with dolls could influence children’s understanding of other people’s mental states.
The study involved children aged between four and eight. At the beginning, researchers assessed their ability to recognize that other people can have different beliefs, desires and thoughts from their own.
The children were then randomly divided into two groups. One group was given dolls to play with, while the other received a tablet with creative, open-ended games.
The children were asked to play several times a week, while parents recorded when and how they played. Researchers did not provide instructions, allowing them to observe natural play behavior.
After around six weeks, the children were assessed again.
The results showed that children who played with dolls demonstrated greater improvement in understanding the thoughts and feelings of others compared with those who played with tablets.
According to the researchers, the findings suggest that doll play can actively support the development of social cognition.
Why imaginary play matters
During doll play, children often create situations where characters talk, disagree, care for one another, experience emotions or face challenges. Although these stories may appear simple to adults, researchers say they provide opportunities for children to practice important social skills.
By imagining what a character is thinking or feeling, children learn to consider perspectives different from their own. They also develop the ability to predict reactions and understand relationships.
Previous studies have already linked pretend play with stronger social understanding and empathy, although researchers say earlier work did not always isolate the specific role of doll play.
Brain activity and emotional understanding
The findings are also connected to previous research by the same team, which found that areas of the brain involved in social processing become active when children play with dolls.
Researchers also observed that children used more words and expressions related to thoughts and emotions during doll play compared with tablet use.
This suggests that children are not simply creating stories while playing with dolls. They are practicing how to interpret emotions, understand different viewpoints and navigate social situations.
What the findings mean for parents
The research offers reassurance to parents who may worry that traditional toys have less value than educational technology.
Dolls may not teach measurable skills in the same way as some digital games or construction toys, but researchers say they provide children with an opportunity to develop abilities that are essential throughout life.
Understanding other people’s perspectives can help children build relationships, cooperate, resolve disagreements and respond more effectively to those around them.
