Masculinity-femininity in fantasy preferences: an indirect approach.

Abstract

Summary Using free response reports of preferences for books and movies that are presumed to be an index of subjects' fantasy interests, content codes for these materials were developed that successfully discriminated adolescent boys and girls. In two samples boys preferred stories about (1) sports, (2) adventure themes, (3) stories of man-machine relationships. Girls preferred stories of (1) suffering, hardship, overcoming personal and interpersonal obstacles, (2) romance, (3) teenage life, and 4) religious and inspirational themes. Stories about family life, nurturance, sex, and aggression were among the codes that did not discriminate the sexes. Implications of the findings and suggestions for further development of the instrument are discussed.