Don’t misunderstand me, I love a good dose of nostalgia – from turning through old photo albums to resuscitation of frosted lips. But can stick to the past hold us back? When it comes to childhood flower, I’m not so sure – so I asked the experts.
The childhood blanket is a passing right. Maybe your hand woven by an elderly in the family or gifted to you at birth. But somehow in adulthood, you can’t seem to let go. The blanket has followed you from your cot to your first solo apartment and seen you Through divisionsMakeups and everything in between. Ripped, broken and broken, you have always found a home for your blanket and every time you try to share with it you will find a reason to keep on. But why?
Childhood blankets work as what Psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott called “Transitional objects“Or security objects, says Russell W, BELK, PHD, a York University Distinguished Research Professor whose work means to understand the importance of possessions, collection and gift-giving. Transitional objects are objects that people form strong links to deal with major life changes.
But what about blankets makes us feel so safe? And why do some people keep their childhood blankets long after they have grown them? In front, experts explain psychology behind adult blanks and when there is a time to release.
Experts displayed in this article:
Russell W. BelkPHD, is a distinctive research professor in York University whose research means to understand the importance of possessions, collection and gift.
Joann PeckPHD, MBA, is a professor of marketing at the University of Wisconsin Madison whose research focuses on product touch.
Psychology behind childhood blankets
If you are an adult Blankie Stan, you will be happy to know that this attachment is completely normal per expert. There are some factors that are played in connection with the connection, from sensory elements to those with emotional security.
Childhood blankets are transitional objects.
For children who experience many things for the first time, transitional objects play a crucial role in provides comfort and stabilityas mentioned earlier. Objects such as blankets and filled animals fall into this category and can help children understand major life changes. In childhood, for example, they can help to facilitate the transition from mother (eg when she leaves home or child goes to preschool), says Dr. Belk. “Later, the original objects may regain memories and even continue to provide feelings of comfort and security.”
Their touch has soothing effects.
Filters, in particular, appeal to one of the most important senses: touch. Rubbing a blanket involves the side movement and this type of stroll can actually calm people and relieve stress, says Joann Peck, PhD, MBAProfessor of Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison whose research focuses on product touch.
The soothing effects of touch have been well documented. A study from 2020 published in the magazine “Frontiers in Psychiatry” Found that touch can promote a sense of calm and change how people handle stress and improve both mental and physical health. While more research is needed to understand the relationship between touch and material goods, Studies Show that loving touch increases oxytocin levels, a hormone linked to good emotions and social binding.
Odor can be a powerful contact.
These blankets can also catch nostalgic smell from your childhood, such as your mother’s perfume or the remaining scent of vaporub from when you were ill, says Dr. Belk. There is a variety of research that links smell and physical well -being. A 2022 Study Published in “Ambio” Found that smell (or even lack of it) were associated with relaxation, comfort and rejuvenation. Childhood blankets can stick to scents and smells that induce a feeling of comfort. It can even evoke memoriesgood or bad.
So is it really advantageous to keep a childhood blanket?
The short answer: Yes. Childhood blankets can provide comfort and calm, much like a weighted blanket, says Dr. Peck. She adds that the soothing effects of touch are similar to both cases: texture provides comfort in childhood blankets, while weight delivers A similar effect in weighted blankets.
How do you know when it’s time to release your blankie?
It’s really up for you to decide when you no longer need or want the blanket. Childhood blankets are intended to provide comfort, but if they no longer earn you it may be time to let go. Dr. Peck notes that large life events – as move or start a new chapter – may accomplish feelings of switching sentimental objects. And that’s ok. Listen to what your body needs.
That said, there is no reason to share with your childhood blanket simply for decuting. “As long as it gives you benefits, I don’t see a big reason to get rid of it,” says Dr. Peck.
Keeping a childhood blanket can seem stupid to some, but the feeling of security and calm as it offers – especially during times of stress – can hold on to what is worth it.
Kayla Hui (She/her) is a freelance writer, specializing in health, wellness, outdoors, travel and food. During her five years of writing experience, she has covered women’s health, chronic conditions, differences in health and wellness trends for women’s health, well+good, form, health, very well health, zoe report and more.
