In a society that values work over play, the research of Dr. Stuart L. Brown may cause some people to reconsider the importance of goofing off.
Brown is a psychiatrist, clinical researcher and pioneer in the study of play. He believes play is essential for human development, intelligence and survival, and is essential for our wellbeing.
This weekend, Brown will present the keynote address at the St. Luke's Center for Community Health fall conference, "Creating a Healthy Community."
According to Brown, playing in childhood is serious business and makes for smarter, happier adults. He is founder of the National Institute for Play, which compiles research from scientists who are working in the neurosciences, developmental psychology, ethology and evolutionary biology—all related to the phenomenon of play.
Brown's institute divides play into eight categories: attunement play, imaginative and pretend play, body play and movement, storytelling-narrative play, object play, transformative-integrative play, creative play and social play.
The National Institute for Play guides and sponsors research to further the scientific understanding of the phenomenon of play.
Brown will conduct a free afternoon workshop for Blaine County teachers Friday, and a free full-day presentation for the general public Saturday. He will tailor two workshops for the specific needs of participants and facilitate the writing of personal surveys or "play histories" for attendees at the workshops.
"Play histories are based on general medical histories but are geared toward gathering emotionally charged memories that are highly playful," Brown said. "Experiences of play are closest to the highest state of bliss that a person can achieve. The idea in the workshops is to recreate these experiences from visual memories, physical events and imagination."
Brown trained in general and internal medicine, psychiatry and clinical research. He first discovered the importance of play by discerning its absence in a carefully studied group of homicidal young males, beginning with the University of Texas Tower mass murderer, Charles Whitman.
He later became founding clinical director and chief of psychiatry at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center and an associate professor at the University of California, San Diego.
He lives in Carmel Valley, Calif., and, yes, he does get out and play regularly.
"Mostly tennis, and a lot of biking and hiking," he said.
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
Conference highlights
Friday, Nov. 6
1-4 p.m. at the Community School in Sun Valley: "Discovering What Nature Has Provided Each of Us Through Play," a presentation by Dr. Stuart L. Brown. Free for all Blaine County educators.
Saturday, Nov. 7
9-9:15 a.m. at the Community Campus in Hailey: "Unsung Heroes" community awards presentation by Blaine County Community Drug Coalition.
9:30 a.m. to noon: "Play, Spirit and Character—Inseparable Companions Crafted by Nature," presentation and workshop by Dr. Stuart L. Brown.
12:45-2 p.m.: Workshop focused on parenting and youth.
2:15-3:25 p.m.: Repeat of workshop
Dr. Stuart L. Brown Photo by
