Security blanket

Security blanket

A security blanket is any familiar object whose presence provides comfort or security to its owner, such as the literal blankets often favoured by small children. It is a comfort object and is also known as a "security object." The phrase "security blanket" was popularized in the "Peanuts" comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz, who gave such a blanket to his character Linus van Pelt. A popular name for a security blanket is "blanky" (sometimes "banky"). Another term is "wubby", which was popularized by the 1983 film "Mr. Mom".

English psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott spoke of transitional objects, loosely equivalent to the security blanket. Stuffed animals are sometimes carried in emergency vehicles and police patrol cars, to be given to children involved in an accident or traumatic event, to provide them comfort, thus filling a similar role.

Research with children on this subject was performed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee by Richard H. Passman and his associates. Among other findings, they showed that security blankets are appropriately named — they actually do give security to those children attached to them. Along with other positive benefits, having a security blanket available can help children adapt to new situations, aid in their learning, and adjust to physicians' and clinical psychologists' evaluations. Dr. Passman's research also points out that there is nothing abnormal about being attached to them. About 60% of children in the United States have at least some attachment to a security object.

ee also

*Comfort object
*Transitional object

Books

Creature Comforts, People and Their Security Objects by Barbara Collopy O'Halloran and Photographed by Betty Udesen.


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • security blanket — security blankets 1) N COUNT If you refer to something as a security blanket, you mean that it provides someone with a feeling of safety and comfort when they are in a situation that worries them or makes them feel nervous. Alan sings with shy… …   English dictionary

  • security blanket — n. 1. a small blanket or other soft cloth, as clutched or stroked by a child for the feeling of comfort and security it affords 2. anything that gives a person a sense of safety or freedom from anxiety …   English World dictionary

  • security blanket — n a blanket carried by a child as a protection against anxiety …   Medical dictionary

  • security blanket — ► NOUN 1) a blanket or other familiar object which is a comfort to a child. 2) Brit. an official sanction imposed on information in order to maintain complete secrecy …   English terms dictionary

  • security blanket — noun a) A blanket that one uses to have a secure feeling or reduced anxiety, usually in the early years of life: Linus van Pelt had a famous security blanket. That rabbits foot is his security blanket. b) Any object one uses to have a sense of… …   Wiktionary

  • security blanket — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms security blanket : singular security blanket plural security blankets a) a blanket or piece of cloth that a young child carries to help them to feel more confident b) something that makes you feel confident …   English dictionary

  • security blanket — 1. a blanket or other familiar item carried esp. by a young child to provide reassurance and a feeling of psychological security. 2. someone or something that gives a person a sense of protection or a feeling of security: His wealthy uncle is his …   Universalium

  • security blanket — {n.}, {slang}, {colloquial} An idea, person, or object that one holds on to for psychological reassurance or comfort as infants usually hang on to the edge of a pillow, a towel, or a blanket. * /Sue has gone to Aunt Mathilda for a chat; she is… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • security blanket — {n.}, {slang}, {colloquial} An idea, person, or object that one holds on to for psychological reassurance or comfort as infants usually hang on to the edge of a pillow, a towel, or a blanket. * /Sue has gone to Aunt Mathilda for a chat; she is… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • security\ blanket — noun slang colloquial An idea, person, or object that one holds on to for psychological reassurance or comfort as infants usually hang on to the edge of a pillow, a towel, or a blanket. Sue has gone to Aunt Mathilda for a chat; she is her… …   Словарь американских идиом

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