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Preferred term

play as catharsis  

Definition

  • The association of the concept of catharsis with some, although not all, play brings about a distinct cultural dimension stemming from Aristotelian aesthetics. Originally denoting a process of purification of malefic influences on the human body and psyche, derived from the Greek katharein, the concept gradually permeated the sphere of religion, literature, medicine, and Freudian psychoanalysis. [Source: Encyclopedia of Play in Today's Society; Play as Catharsis]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/play_as_catharsis

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