Table 1 Main and sub-themes regarding the role of imaginary companions in the lives of only children
From: The role of imaginary companion in the life of only children: a qualitative study
Main Themes | Sub-Themes |
|---|---|
Role of an imaginary companion in alleviating loneliness | Alleviating loneliness / Feeling less lonely during sleep / Substitute for siblings / Compensating for the lack of a real friend / Replacing the role of a mother |
Role of imaginary companion in Amusement | Boredom / During watching movies / During playing / During leisure and entertainment activities |
Role of imaginary companion in emotional regulation | Externalization, coping with stress, coping with anger, dealing with parental arguments and conflicts |
Conversation with an imaginary companion | Talking to an imaginary companion / imaginary companion being a listener/ secret-keeping |
Guidance from the imaginary companion for good and bad behavior | Encouragement for doing good behavior/ Encouragement for engaging in inappropriate behavior |
Assistance from the imaginary companion in tasks | Assistance in daily tasks/ Academic Assistance |
Assisting in adopting new schemes | Animation/personification |
Advantages of an imaginary companion | Kindness/ Reduced screen time/ Control |
disadvantages of an imaginary companion | Scaring/fostering attachment issues/controlling behavior |