A Thematic Analysis of Parents’ Gendered Beliefs About Emotion in Middle Childhood Boys and Girls

This study examined mothers’ and fathers’ ( N = 102) beliefs about emotion and emotion expression in boys and girls aged 8 to 12 years using a mixed-methods design. Parents attended two focus group sessions 2 weeks apart. A thematic analysis of the group transcripts resulted in six themes: value in the experience and expression of emotion, vulnerability in the experience and expression of emotion, multiple influences on children’s learning about emotion, distinct expectations for emotion displays at home versus in public, gender roles influence emotion expectations, and generational shift in emotion-related expectations. Identified themes were consistent with previous research, yet new themes emerged relevant to gender and gender roles within society. Implications of gender-related roles and expectancies are discussed.