Barbie
Barbie® and neuroscientists from Cardiff University have collaborated on a new study which for the first time uses neuroimaging as evidence to explore the effects of doll play.1 At Barbie, we’ve always known there are many benefits of playing with dolls and now there is scientific evidence that supports it.
HOW DOLL PLAY STIMULATES THE BRAIN
The study monitored the brain activity of children ages 4-8 as they played with a range of Barbie dolls and playsets. The key findings apply to all children, regardless of gender.
KEY FINDINGS
Doll play activates brain regions that allow children to develop social processing skills like empathy.
The brain activation that develops empathy is evidenced even when the child is playing with dolls by themselves.