The Game of Life

This comprehensive literature review discusses the critical work of Bowlby, Ainsworth, and Harlow. It explores the roots of secure, anxious, avoidant and disorganized attachments and diverse childhood needs between infancy and adolescence. The review then delves into the work of Anna Freud, Klein, Winnicott, and Axline in introducing the importance of play. The chapter highlights diverse areas of play, including tactile, functional, digital, parallel, and pretend play. The chapter then weaves in the strong connection between play and attachment, wherein play serves as a rich tool for successful parent-child attachments, for the work of child life specialists and as a context for PCIT.