For many children, stuffed animals are loyal and comforting companions. A
fluffy friend can make a trip to the doctor or sleeping in the dark seem a
little less daunting. For these children, stuffed animals serve as
transitional objects - inanimate objects that provide comfort,
particularly in unfamiliar or distressing situations (Winnicott, 1953).
Although stuffed animals are seen as children's toys, they can also serve
as transitional objects for adults. Along with being a source of comfort,
stuffed animals can also provide other mental and physical benefits for
the children and adults who own them.
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