- Security blanket
A security blanket is any familiar object whose presence provides comfort or security to its owner, such as the literal
blanket s often favoured by small children. It is acomfort object and is also known as a "security object." The phrase "security blanket" was popularized in the "Peanuts "comic strip created byCharles M. Schulz , who gave such a blanket to his characterLinus van Pelt . A popular name for a security blanket is "blanky" (sometimes "banky"). Another term is "wubby", which was popularized by the1983 film "Mr. Mom ".English psychoanalyst
Donald Winnicott spoke oftransitional object s, loosely equivalent to the security blanket.Stuffed animal s are sometimes carried inemergency vehicle s and policepatrol car s, 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
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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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