
play-doh
procedure
​The professional provides the child with an assortment of different colors of play-doh (model magic or other clay materials will also work) and requests for them to sculpt a model of their imaginary friend. This activity could be performed either simultaneously or in conjunction with the activity “Imaginary Friend.” The professional takes note of how many different colors are used, how big the child makes the model, whether they make it flat or three-dimensional, and other characteristics of the child’s creation. When they are finished, the professional asks the child to explain their creation and describe it in as much detail as possible. They ask the child why they made things the way they did and whether they could change it if they wanted to. The parents are called in to observe the model once the activity is complete.
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Reasoning
Similarly to the drawing activities, this one gives the child a chance to express themself creatively so that the professional gets a glimpse of what goes on in their mind. If the activity is performed in the same session as the “Imaginary Friend” activity, the child should be directed to create the same character they previously described. The more colors are used, the more creative the child’s imagination likely is, but this cannot be used as a measure of mental health because it is a naturally-occurring thing for children. However, the size of the model is important because the more threatening the model appears, the more likely it is to be a true unpleasant hallucination. If it is three-dimensional rather than flat, this also increases the likelihood that it is a real hallucination and not a healthy figment of their imagination. When asked if the child would be able to change characteristics of the model, a negative response could indicate that the model is a real entity in their mind and cannot be compromised with. Additionally, when asked why they made the model they way they did, a response along the lines of “I like it that way” suggests a healthy imagination but responses like “It’s not my choice” or “That’s the way they are” suggest true hallucinations. When the parents are called in, they testify to whether or not the child’s behavior and creative tendencies are consistent with those expressed in other settings.