Why children's imaginary worlds are powerful tools for learning

Society · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For decades, psychologists dismissed imaginative play as frivolous. However, new research suggests that these complex, parallel worlds—known as paracosms—are actually vital for development. By creating intricate stories, children can explore their place in the world and develop the creativity needed to navigate real-life complexities.

In the early 20th century, many psychologists believed that children needed to abandon fantasy to become mature thinkers. They viewed imaginative activities as mere fun without real purpose. Today, however, researchers like Marjorie Taylor, a professor emeritus at the University of Oregon, suggest that these mental excursions are far from useless. Taylor has spent roughly 25 years studying how children devise imaginary friends and parallel worlds.

These parallel worlds, or paracosms, are often much more complex than previously understood. While earlier research in 1992 by David Cohen and Stephen MacKeith identified 57 such worlds and considered them rare, recent studies suggest they are more common. In two separate studies involving children aged 8 to 12, researchers found that approximately 17 percent of participants described imaginary worlds with significant complexity.

The mechanism behind this involves a progression in development: imaginary friends typically emerge in younger children, while paracosms tend to develop later. While there is a significant relationship between the two, an imaginary friend does not always become a character in a later paracosm. Furthermore, these worlds often become more intricate when children share them with friends, adding layers of collaborative storytelling.

This has significant implications for education. While traditional instruction often emphasizes learning in contexts similar to real-world application, researchers like Anna Rainio suggest that 'playworlds'—activities where adults and children co-create stories—can help students find their place. By wrapping lessons in magic and imagination, educators may help children absorb information more effectively through the power of pretend play.

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