Sex differences in the socialization of affectionate expression.

87 parent-child pairs were videotaped during the departure routine when the parent left the child at a child-care center. In the 2-parent sample, parent-daughter dyads showed higher levels of overall interaction than parent-son dyads. Although affectionate interaction was high for parent-daughter dyads, the level of affection was particularly low in father-son dyads. The single mother interacted with both sexes at high and nonsignificantly different levels, but did not engage in more affection with her child. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).