Popular media has made the concept of childhood imaginary friends a scary one. People are now under the impression that if a child has an imaginary friend, that child has a psychological problem. This is not true in any aspect. Many psychiatrists are now educating the public about the true nature of imaginary friends in children and how they could benefit them and when to seek medical help.
In general, children develop imaginary friends when they are about 2 to 7 years old, although friends may stay longer depending on the child. These friends are more common among children who are the only child. It is estimated that by around the age 7, around 37 percent of children create an invisible friend. It is untrue, however, that children who invent friends are lonely or have social problems. Psychological studies have shown that children with imaginary companies score no differently than their counterparts regarding emotional stability; in fact, some studies even claim that children with imaginary friends tend to be less shy and engage in more laughing and smiling with their peers.
Imaginary friends can be a source of comfort for a child experiencing difficulties. Usually, these friends appear while or after a traumatic event. These friends help the child cope. It must also be noted that most children know and understand the difference between real and imaginary friends. Further studies have found that children know that the people they’re talking or referring to are not real.
Imaginary friends can be a source of comfort for a child experiencing difficulties. Usually, these friends appear while or after a traumatic event. These friends help the child cope. It must also be noted that most children know and understand the difference between real and imaginary friends. Further studies have found that children know that the people they’re talking or referring to are not real.
There are cases where a child can no longer differentiate between his or her friends. For children who insist on their imaginary friend being real, parents may wish to consider visiting a child psychiatrist.
Dr. Jonathan Lauter is a qualified general child psychiatrist. Follow this Twitter account for the latest developments on the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.
Dr. Jonathan Lauter is a qualified general child psychiatrist. Follow this Twitter account for the latest developments on the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.