Final answer:
The statement is false; transitional objects such as dolls can facilitate rather than delay verbal communication by providing a medium for children to express themselves, particularly in the healthcare setting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that communication through transition objects, such as dolls or stuffed animals, delays the child's response to verbal communication offered by the nurse is false. Transition objects can actually serve as helpful tools in facilitating communication, especially in pediatric healthcare settings.
Children often use transitional objects to express their emotions and communicate needs when they might be too overwhelmed or shy to use direct verbal communication. These objects can provide comfort and a sense of security, which can reduce anxiety and promote openness to verbal interaction. In the context of healthcare, a nurse using a doll might allow a child to project their feelings or explain their experience, thereby enhancing the nurse's ability to gather information and communicate effectively with the child.
For instance, when discussing theory-of-mind (TOM), we understand that a child's ability to attribute beliefs and intentions to others develops around the age of 3 to 5 years old. During this period, using transitional objects like dolls can help children articulate thoughts or emotions they may not yet have the verbal capacity to express.