Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson considered play to be valuable because it helps children work through conflicts and master developmental challenges.

• A. It serves only as a form of entertainment with no psychological significance.
• B. It is important mainly for developing mathematical and scientific reasoning.
• C. It primarily improves children's physical coordination and athletic skills.
• D. It helps children work through conflicts and master developmental challenges.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key theorists mentioned: Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson, both influential in developmental psychology.
2. Understand Freud's perspective: He viewed play as a way for children to express unconscious conflicts and desires, helping them work through emotional challenges.
3. Understand Erikson's perspective: He emphasized psychosocial development, where play helps children navigate and master developmental tasks and conflicts at various stages.
4. Recognize that play is not merely entertainment or physical activity; it has deeper psychological significance related to emotional and social development.
5. Conclude that the value of play, according to these theorists, lies in its role in helping children work through conflicts and master developmental challenges.