Health · Mental Health · 1 hr ago
Research points to benefits of imaginary friends in childhood
A writer recalls playing with three imaginary friends as a child and says she still does not know why she created them.
Imaginary friends are characters children invent and interact with regularly; psychologists say two-thirds of children have had one by age seven.
Children with imaginary friends have as many reciprocal friendships as other children, and researchers say they are similar in most other ways.
Studies link imaginary friends with skills such as storytelling, concentration and imagining detailed scenes.
Research suggests the friendships may support empathy and creativity, with some benefits lasting into adulthood.
A researcher at Oregon State University is studying children's relationships with imaginary friends and AI chatbots, which simulate conversations.
Research suggests that imaginary friends may help children develop empathy and creativity, with benefits that can last into adulthood.
Psychologists Naomi Aguiar and Marjorie Taylor say two-thirds of children have had an imaginary friend by age 7.
Children with imaginary friends have the same number of reciprocal friendships as children without them, according to Aguiar.
Studies also link imaginary friends with storytelling, concentration, detailed imagination and less shyness.
Aguiar researches children’s relationships with imaginary friends and AI chatbots at Oregon State University.
- Who
- Children who create imaginary friends, and researchers Naomi Aguiar and Marjorie Taylor.
- What
- Research suggests imaginary friends may support children’s empathy, creativity and other abilities.
- When
- The article was published on November 10, 2026. The sources do not state when the research was conducted.
- Where
- Aguiar researches the topic at Oregon State University in the United States.
- Why
- Children may create imaginary friends because they enjoy interacting with others and want someone to play or talk with when alone.
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- Prevalence
- Two-thirds of children have had an imaginary friend by age 7
- Researchers
- Naomi Aguiar and Marjorie Taylor
- Research location
- Oregon State University, United States
- Publication date
- November 10, 2026
- Associated benefits
- Empathy, creativity, storytelling and concentration
What people are saying
These children do not have fewer friends than others. They have the same number of reciprocal friendships as those without imaginary friends. And what the data show is that, in almost every respect, they are like the others.
Many children create imaginary friends because they think it is fun and really enjoy interacting with other people. So when they have no one to talk or play with, they invent an imaginary friend.