Factors associated with symbolic play development in
preschoolers with hearing impairments and language processing
delays A child's ability to play is dependent on various
factors, both internal and environmental. This study examines
the relationships between symbolic play development in children,
language development in children, parental role behaviors and
parenting stress. This project is specifically concerned with
the development of play in relation to these other factors in a
population of hearing impaired and language processing delayed
preschoolers. ^ Due to the fact that both language and symbolic
play are at least partially dependent on the cognitive capacity
for representation, it is hypothesized that when language skills
are held constant hearing impaired children will demonstrate
higher level symbolic play skills than will language delayed
children. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that parenting roles
involving the bonding with, and sensitivity toward, children
will relate positively with symboli