Psychologist Reveals Why Adults Keep Childhood Teddy Bears for Comfort
While most children snuggle a teddy bear to drift off to sleep, what does it signify when this habit persists into adulthood? This behaviour is frequently viewed as unusual or even peculiar, but a psychologist has unveiled the genuine meaning behind adults retaining cuddly toys later in life—and the revelation might be surprising.
A Surprisingly Common Practice
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Phil Macleod, a hypnotherapist, psychologist, and Founder of Thought Reader, stated: 'A cuddly toy might seem like an unusual thing for an adult to keep, but surveys show that it's actually a very common thing to do.' This phenomenon extends beyond the general public to celebrities as well.
Influencer Molly-Mae Hague famously brought her elephant toy, Ellie Belly, into the Love Island villa and later shared a photo of her partner, Tommy Fury, cuddling her Jellycat toys. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga has publicly displayed her attachment to a white bear, which even accompanied her on a 2015 trip to Serbia. Additionally, King Charles and his disgraced younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, are reported to have close bonds with stuffed toys.
The Emotional Significance Explained
Macleod elaborated: 'What might look odd on the surface is often just our minds holding onto feelings of love, safety and comfort from childhood.' As individuals mature, many fear that joyful early memories will fade. A special keepsake, such as a favourite teddy, serves as a tangible reminder of those carefree times.
The object becomes deeply associated with sensations of being safe, comforted, and loved—explaining why some find it difficult to part with an item that has been with them for decades. This process occurs largely on a subconscious level, with brains forming powerful emotional connections to objects present during moments of security.
In hypnotherapy and other therapeutic approaches, practitioners observe how strongly the mind reacts to these symbols of familiarity. Simply holding or viewing a beloved item can soothe the nervous system and alleviate stress or anxiety.
Coping Mechanisms and Therapeutic Uses
For certain individuals, a cuddly toy transforms into a go-to coping tool during challenging periods. Whether grieving a loss, experiencing loneliness, or navigating high stress, people often seek out familiar objects that provide instant reassurance.
In today's increasingly digital and fast-paced world, having a physical, tactile source of comfort can feel profoundly grounding. Cuddly toys are even employed therapeutically—particularly for those who have endured trauma or PTSD—as they foster a sense of emotional security.
They can also help counteract the loneliness many feel in contemporary society, despite constant online connectivity. Adults retain teddies or stuffed animals for a variety of reasons. For some, it has always been part of their life; for others, it becomes crucial during specific hardships.
This behaviour is not confined to one 'type' of person—it is the mind's natural method of self-soothing.
When Dependence Becomes a Concern
While Macleod acknowledged that many adults keep stuffed toys, the meaning can shift if an individual becomes overly reliant on them. He noted: 'Things get more psychologically intriguing when someone feels they can only cope with one specific toy and grows anxious without it.'
If a person depends heavily on a single object for reassurance, it might indicate the brain has outsourced too much of its sense of safety to that item. Psychologically, over-focusing or dependence on any solitary object can sometimes hinder the development of coping strategies for loss, stress, and general anxiety.
In therapy, including hypnotherapy, the focus typically involves gently assisting the person in cultivating that same sense of calm and security from within, rather than relying primarily on an external object. Techniques such as anchoring, guided visualisation, positive suggestion, increased self-awareness, and self-esteem are commonly utilised to build internal resources for accessing feelings of safety independently.
Embracing Comfort with Balance
As in many aspects of life, balance is key. There is generally nothing unhealthy about retaining a childhood toy if it provides genuine comfort. In most instances, it simply reflects a very human need for warmth, familiarity, and reassurance—a sweet reminder of the security experienced in our earliest years.
The psychologist concluded: 'So, embrace Mr Tiddles, Blackcurrant, or Rupert openly if it feels right. They are not judging you, and neither should anyone else.'
