Spontaneous thematic play behavior in children is investigated. Environmental prerequisites of play and possible functions of play in cognitive and personality development are discussed. Whether modelling is a prerequisite for thematic play, and the relationship between level of play and creativity test performance in children are assessed. (DP)

Theoretical and research literature on the role of fathers in childhood development is reviewed. It is suggested that fathers may play an important but qualitatively different role in socialization than mothers and various research designs are suggested to test this hypothesis. (GO)