Examined gender differences in self-reported and observed conversations about sexual issues. Gender differences (more mother-daughter than mother-son) were found in the extent of sexual communication based on adolescents' reports, but no gender differences were found based on mothers' reports, or on observations of conversations. (Author)

Observed the influence of gender on communication patterns and reciprocal alliances within the context of a controlled problem-solving task. Found that families with boys engaged in more active bargaining than families with girls. Sons made offers for alliances to mothers at almost twice the rate of daughters. (RJM)

Two sets of meta-analyses examined gender effects on parents' observed language with their children. Findings indicated that mothers talked more, used more supportive and negative speech, and less directive and informing speech than fathers. Mothers talked more and used more supportive speech with daughters than sons. Effect sizes depended on…