Developmental trends and gender differences in construing the self and parents

Author(s): Neff, G.

Journal/Book: J Constr Psychol. 1996; 9: 1900 Frost Road, Suite 101, Bristol, PA 19007-1598. Taylor & Francis. 225-232.

Abstract: Canadian students (192 girls and 173 boys, ranging in age from 8 to 18 years) in francophone schools individually categorized themselves and both of their parents on 12 bipolar constructs, such as genereux(se)-avaricieux(se) [generous-stingy]. The degree of differentiation between parents correlated with age to about the same extent for both boys and girls. There was also a correlation between age and the degree to which students differentiated themselves from parents of their own and opposite gender. Moreover, differentiation between parents was correlated with the degree of differentiation of self from each parent. Across all age groups, both boys and girls differentiated themselves more from parents of the opposite gender than from parents of the same gender. Girls and boys differentiated themselves from their mothers to about the same extent; however, girls differentiated themselves from their fathers significantly more than did boys.

Note: Article J Adamswebber, Brock Univ, Dept Psychol, St Catharines, on L2S 3A1, Canada

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