Talking about past emotions: Conversations between Peruvian mothers and their preschool children

Gigliana Melzi, Camila Fernández

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this study, we examined gender and age variations in the use of emotion words during mother-child conversations about experiences. Thirty-two middle-class, Spanish-speaking, Peruvian mothers and their 3- and 5-year-old children participated in this study. Conversations were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded for number, types of emotions discussed, and conversational contexts in which the emotion word was embedded. Age differences were found only in children's use of emotion words. Gender differences were found only in mothers' use of emotion words. Findings are discussed in relation to socialization practices of emotional expression and gender in middle-class Peruvian society. Our results support and provide a developmental perspective on findings obtained in studies of adult emotional expression across various cultures.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)641-657
Number of pages17
JournalSex Roles
Volume50
Issue number9-10
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2004

Keywords

  • Culture
  • Emotion
  • Gender
  • Mother-child conversations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Social Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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