1. Hmong Intergenerational Perceptions of Play Abstract Research on child play has been beneficial towards exploring the importance play has in the development of a child. Although we know play has many positive benefits there lacks scholarly research on adult play, and even more so on the cultural differences of play (Van Leeuwen & Westwood, 2008; Mannell, 2005; Floyd, Bocarro, & Thompson, 2008). This nonrandom cross- sectional pilot study, conducted at a Midwestern college, explored the relationship between the generational differences and similarities on Hmong perspectives of adult play. It was hypothesized that there would be more differences than similarities between these two groups. Survey data was statistically analyzed using frequencies, cross-tabulations and mean comparisons. It was found that there were more similarities in perspective than differences between these two adult groups, and that play was seen as beneficial for one’s health. Implications for practitioners are play is perceived to relieve stress, and that social interactions are important to play activities. Future research would benefit from a large, randomized national sample and a qualitative research design. Theoretical Framework This study used Family Ecology Theory as the theoretical framework. Family Ecology Theory (Broffenbrenner, 1994) examines the individual’s development through the systems of relationship in their environment.  Microsystem  Mesosystem  Exosystem  Macrosystem Hypothesis The central research question was, “are there generational differences in Hmong people’s perspectives of play”? The researcher hypothesized that between each adult generational group there may be more differences in perspectives of play than similarities. By Mai Cha Lee Advised by Susan Wolfgram, Human Development & Family Studies, UW-Stout, Ph.D. Participants The participants consisted of members in the Hmong Stout Student Organization (HSSO) and the elderly Hmong generation. o Participants within the ages of 18-30 o 4 females o 1 male o Participants within the ages of 31-54 o 2 females o 3 types of demographic questions o Gender o Age o First, second, or third generation o 10 closed ended questions on a Likert scale o 1(not at all) to 5 (all the time). Survey Design (VAL); is play important to you? (BEH); when playing, are you doing so with other people? (BEH2); when playing, are you active; doing something with your body? (PUR); do you learn a lot through play? (BEH3); when playing are you passive; watching something or relaxing? (VAL2); do you think about play? (BEH4); when playing, is it a solitary, self only activity? (VAL3); do you have fun often? (VAL4); I have a lot of time to play. Results The hypothesis that there would be differences among the generations of Hmong participants on perspectives of play was not supported by the data. Themes : Types of Play - indoors activities -surfing the net, being creative, board games, video games -sewing - outdoors activities -hiking, biking, walking, playing sports -gardening, shopping, park, traveling - interaction. -social and cultural gathers, friends and family -social gatherings Themes: Purpose of Play The younger generation felt that play fostered health, feelings and knowledge. They felt that play encouraged one to connect to others, and to gain confidence. Participants felt play was beneficial for relieving stress, and for mental relief and thought that play was important for learning (in general and about one’s self). The themes that emerged with the elder participants were feelings, health and caution. These feelings included enjoyment of playing, escapism, and exploration. The elder participants believed that play was important for stress relief and then lastly they cautioned about too much play. Conclusion It is hoped that with continual research, such as this study, there will be an increased understanding of cultural perspectives on the importance and development of adult play. In addition, we have yet to explore the importance impact play may have on adults-this may includes, biological, psychological, developmental and social benefits.