Sex differences in neonates' cuddliness

The authors undertook the present study to determine whether under ecologic ally valid, tow-stress conditions, female and male neonates could be differ entiated on cuddliness. Sixteen female and 15 male neonates were videotaped interacting briefly with both a female and a male adult who were blind to the sex of the neonate. Raters coded degree of cuddliness and activity leve l. Results showed that raters could discriminate the sex of the neonate on the basis of degree of cuddliness. Discussion focuses on the importance of theoretical and methodological considerations in assessing sex differences in behavioral characteristics of neonates.