Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- AUT University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (viii, 61 leaves ; 30 cm.) in the Archive at the City Campus (T 155.418 BUC)

Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of Washington, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 123-126).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2007. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 178-185).

This thesis development of empirical. ABSTRACT , investigated play in two the ways: structure theoretical and and The theoretical section covers three areas. First, existing literature on animal play was reviewed to identify the basis for confusion in theories of animal play. Second, a discussion of the acquisition of the concept 'play' in humans, and its effect on our understanding of animal play revealed the appropriateness of the correct use of models and analogies in the study of play. Finally, the utility of Markov Chains, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and the Grammatical Model in studying play, were assessed. In Chapter Six an investigation of "thB . nevelopment \.1\3: "'e.~ of social play and object 'predation'~ s owed no major ontogenetic differences. In both cases, a) there was some evidence for age changes in the composition of play/'predation': b) the majority of observations could be accounted for by a group of five 'dominant' behaviour patterns. Chapter Seven examined the function o~ 1'r~EM~p."en Mouth Play Face (OMPF) as a. play signal. Resurts indicated that the OMPF did not function speci~iCallY as a play signal in young ferrets and puppies. However, the situation was reversed for adult ferrets. There was also evidence that the OMPF was related to arousal in a way not exhibited by other play behaviour patterns. Chap~i~ml~!Sht investiga~~~bf~~ential S~~~hture in social ptay~ OBject 'predation~ an~ aggressi8~.~~esults showed great variability in tne sequences of 'oehaviour in all three contexts. All three behavioural contexts showed little variability in the identity of bout initiators and terminators. The 'grammar' constructed failed to provide a formal description of social play, aggression or object 'predation':' These results suggest that many assumptions made about the structure of play, especially with regard to other behaviours, are invalid. The study of play should proceed in terms of identifying the structural configuration of sequences of social play.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-118).

In order to establish the appropriateness of the western model of non-directive play therapy within the Kenyan context, the study explored the experiences of trained play therapists using the western model of non-directive play therapy in their therapeutic work with a Kenyan child. The study used qualitative methodology with thematic analysis where six trained non-directive play therapists with more than two years' practical experience participated. The participants comprised of five females and one male aged between 40 to mid-50 years were interviewed using semi-structured interviews while the interviews were tape recorded prior to their transcription. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis guidelines and the findings generated two main overarching themes stating that the Western model of Non-directive play therapy used in a therapeutic setting with a Kenyan child is in a large scale 'appropriate' (effective) while in some cases the same participants found the model 'inappropriate' (not effective) based on the Kenyan cultural beliefs and practices. Within the two main overarching themes, emanated seven candidate themes perceived by my participants to be indicators of the appropriateness of the western model of non- directive play therapy within the Kenyan context, in which the therapists' experiences revealed that in their therapeutic work with a Kenyan child using this model, the child developed a sense of 'empowerment'; 'freedom' and at the same time became 'expressive' through the use of play. Meanwhile the inappropriateness of western model of non - directive play therapy in the Kenyan context were mainly perceived to be caused by 'lack of awareness' of the model's existence and/or importance by most Kenyan communities, 'cultural barriers' particularly with regard to the use of 'play' and 'non- direction' in this model, Kenya's 'directive education system' as opposed to the western non-direction and 'social economic status' of most Kenyans leading to access issues were also experienced as contributors to the models in appropriateness within the Kenyan context.

Thesis (MHSc--Health Science) -- Auckland University of Technology, 2005. / Also held in print (93 leaves, 30 cm.) in Akoranga Theses Collection (T 615.85153 HIN)

Thesis (M.I.T.)--The Evergreen State College, 2009. / Title from title screen (viewed 7/16/2009). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 64-70).

Issued also as Thesis (Ph. D.)--Columbia University. / Bibliography: p. 91-92.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 243-280) Also available in print.