Preface

The editors of the International Journal of Play (IJP) have decided to produce one special issue each year to spark debate and reflection on play policy, practice, and theory from around the world. The inaugural special issue of IJP focuses on the role of play in human wellbeing and on ways in which play is connected to biological or physical health, mental health, spiritual health, or to the healthy shared relationships of people across the lifespan. This topic is of great interest to the editors of IJP as we continue to be concerned about the marginalized status of play in the lives of children and adults in modern times and the implications this stance may have on human wellbeing. We are also inspired by the volume and quality of multidisciplinary research articles we received in response to our call for papers on this topic.