Jay Kimiecik, associate professor, recently published an article in The Journal of Positive Psychology examining why many young people are experiencing diminished psychological well-being and how play can support long-term positive development. The article argues that play helps foster an expressive sense of self and a feeling of inner freedom, which together contribute to sustained psychological well-being across the lifespan.

Two Miami undergraduates contributed to the research. Katharine Dunn is a student in the Department of Family Science and Social Work, and Izzy Storey, a recent graduate with a major in kinesiology. The article, “The triad of positive experience: play, an expressive self and feeling free are the natural connectors for building young people’s psychological well-being,” appears in a Q1-ranked journal widely recognized in the field of psychology.

Kimiecik, J., Kimiecik, C., Dunn, K., & Storey, I. (2026). The triad of positive experience: play, an expressive self and feeling free are the natural connectors for building young people’s psychological well-being. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2026.2619655