Final answer:
The concept that play acts as an outlet for bottled-up emotions is primarily associated with the psychological concept of catharsis, as well as Freud's and Horney's work on the roles of the unconscious mind and coping styles for managing emotions. Play therapy uses this principle to aid in emotional development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea that play serves as an outlet for bottled-up emotions is closely related to the psychological concept of catharsis, as discussed by Aristotle in the context of theatre. Additionally, this idea aligns with some of the theories developed by Sigmund Freud, who emphasized the importance of the unconscious mind and the role of defense mechanisms in managing repressed emotions. In play therapy, it is recognized that play can facilitate the expression of feelings that have been otherwise confined due to the complexity and stress of socialization.
In a more contemporary context, the American Academy of Pediatrics has identified unstructured play as crucial for a child's development, allowing them to process emotions and build social relationships. Therapists like Karen Horney also considered childhood anxiety and how children cope with such emotions through different styles, ranging from moving toward people to moving against or away from them.
Thus, acknowledging that play can serve as a mechanism for emotional release reinforces various psychological perspectives on the importance of play in emotional development and mental health.