Title
The role of fantasy figures in the regulation of young children's behavior: Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and donations
Abstract
The present study examined the influence of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny on children's donations near the Easter season. Kindergarten and first-grade children were asked to tell stories about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or pets, for which they received nine pieces of gum. They were then encouraged to donate any amount of their gum to handicapped children. Main effects were found only for grade, with first-grade children donating significantly more than kindergarten children. In addition, a significant interaction was obtained between grade and type of story elicited from the child. This interaction revealed that for kindergarten children, the type of story failed to influence donations, whereas for first-grade children, stories referring to Santa Claus increased donations relative to stories told about the Easter Bunny or pets. © 1984.
Department(s)
Psychology
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/0361-476X(84)90003-1
Publication Date
1-1-1984
Recommended Citation
Dixon, David J., and Harry L. Hom Jr. "The role of fantasy figures in the regulation of young children's behavior: Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and donations." Contemporary educational psychology 9, no. 1 (1984): 14-18.
Journal Title
Contemporary Educational Psychology
