The APS and APS-P: A Methodological Comparison between Italian Preschool and School-aged children

Pretend play is a natural mode of expression for children. The Affect in Play Scale ( APS) (Russ, 1993, 2004) is a standardized measure of affective expression in pretend play- using –puppets-of children aged between 6 and 10 years, and many research studies support its usefulness . The development of the APS was guided by Russ’s (1993, 2004) conceptualization and the theoretical model encompassed what was currently know about how, and the extent to which, affect is an important part of the creative process. Based on their work with the APS, Russ, Niec, and Kaugars (2000) adapted it for use with children 4 and 5 years of age. They developed the Affect in Play Scale Preschool (APS-P )- using toys - to be sensitive to individual differences in children play at these younger age. The aim of this article is to compare the application of APS and APS-P in a balanced experimental design with 56 preschool and school- aged (4-10-years old) Italian children. Results show no significant differences between the two versions of the APS (Toys versus Puppets) except for Comfort. Children of all ages seem more comfortable playing with toys then with puppets. Gender and aged group differences were found.