Inferred adult personality as a function of sex and sex-role behavior in childhood

In two studies subjects read descriptions of stereotypic masculine or feminine behavior displayed by a 7 year old boy or girl, and then predicted personality attributes likely to be evident 15 years later. Derrogation of the masculine female and the feminine male was expected, but not found. Results showed, instead, that irrespective of sex, the feminine (vs. masculine) child was judged to be happier, more mature, and less self-centered, as well as more expressively and less instrumentally oriented as an adult. Results are discussed in terms of methodology and socio-cultural factors.