The Prevalence and Use of Transitional Objects: A Study of 230 Adolescents

Abstract

Data regarding the prevalence and use of transitional objects is limited. Most studies in this area are based upon the information gathered from mothers of small children rather than directly from children or adolescents. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 233 adolescents ages 13–14 years. The return rate was 98.7% Eighty-eight percent of the girls and 71% of the boys reported having at least one transitional object (p < 0.01). Significant differences between male and female subjects were found in the areas of prevalence, naming, present whereabouts, and discontinuation of the use of transitional objects.