Sex differences in verbal and play fantasy.

Abstract

Investigated 2 types of fantasy productions by 45 male and female 3-6 yr olds and by 47 male and female 11-12 yr olds. At the age of entering school, it was found that boys and girls did not differ in the deprivation-enhancement pattern of their verbal fantasies. However, sex-related differences were clearly evident among preadolescents. Fantasy involving dramatic play productions, however, revealed such differences among Ss of both age groups both in the play material selected and in the spatial configurations and thematic content of the productions. Findings are discussed in terms of boys' and girls' sexual identity, as this derives from feelings about their own bodies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)