Research Interests and Publications:

Dr. Taylor studies the development of imagination and creativity. She has investigated children's creation of imaginary companions and pretend identities during the preschool years and the role these fantasies play in children's emotional and cognitive development. Currently, she is investigating development of anthropomorphism, how pretend play contributes to resilience, and the relation between moral judgment and creativity. In addition, her work examines adult forms of fantasy behavior, such as the relationship between adult fiction writers and the characters they create for their novels. For further information, visit Dr. Taylor's website.

Selected Publications:

Taylor, M. (in press). Imagination. In P. Zelazo (Ed.) Oxford Handbook of Child Development. New York: Oxford University Press.

Taylor, M., & Aguiar, N.R.* (in press). How real is the imaginary? In M. Banaji & S.A. Gelman (Eds.) The Development of Social Cognition.

Taylor, M., Hulette, A. C., & Dishion, T. J. (2010). Longitudinal outcomes of young high-risk adolescents with imaginary companions. Developmental Psychology, 46, 1632-1636.

Taylor, M., Shawber, A. B., & Mannering, A. M. (2009).  Children’s imaginary companions:  What is it like to have an invisible friend?  In K. Markman, W. Klein, & J. Suhr (Eds.) The handbook of imagination and mental simulation (pp. 211-224). New York: Psychology Press.

Taylor, M., Carlson, S, M., & Shawber, A. B. (2008).  Autonomy and control in children’s interactions with imaginary companions.  In I. Roth (Ed.) Imaginative minds, pp. 81-100. Oxford, UK: British Academy and Oxford University Press.

Taylor, M., Carlson, S. M., Maring, B. L., Gerow, L., & Charley, C. (2004). The characteristics and correlates of high fantasy in school-aged children: Imaginary companions, impersonation and social understanding. Developmental Psychology, 40, 1173-1187.

Taylor, M., Hodges, S.D., & Kohanyi, A. (2003). The illusion of independent agency: Do adult fiction writers experience their characters as having minds of their own? Imagination, cognition and personality.

Taylor, M. (1999). Imaginary companions and the children who create them. New York: Oxford University Press.