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The Science Behind Dream Along Anesthesia Adventures

At Dream Along Anesthesia Adventures, we believe in the transformative power of play and imagination to help children feel safe, confident, and curious—even in unfamiliar and potentially stressful settings like hospitals.

Here’s what the research says:

1. The Power of Play in Stressful Situations:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlights that play is critical for healthy development and can be a powerful tool for children to manage stress and anxiety in medical environments. Play fosters creativity, emotional resilience, and a sense of control, helping children feel more at ease.

(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, “The Power of Play,” 2018)

2. Play and Reduced Perioperative Anxiety:

A study in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology found that preparation through play and storytelling significantly reduced preoperative anxiety in children undergoing surgery. These interventions improve cooperation and emotional outcomes, leading to a smoother experience for children and their families.

(Source: Kain, Z. et al., “Behavioral preparation for surgery: Reducing perioperative anxiety in children,” Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 2016)

3. The Role of Imagination in Healing:

In his book The Power of Play, David Elkind emphasizes how imagination and storytelling allow children to process their emotions, turning fear into curiosity. This approach is especially effective in clinical and hospital settings, where a lack of understanding can heighten anxiety.

(Source: Elkind, D., “The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally,” 2007)

Why It Matters

By incorporating these principles, Dream Along Anesthesia Adventures is more than a book—it’s a playful lullaby to help children and parents navigate their fears with creativity, comfort, and confidence to encourage a more positive outcome!

Posted December 8, 2024