Data on nearly 400 preadolescents from a study, conducted over 3 years, of the effects of group psychotherapy on close same-gender friendships show that girls grow in intimacy whether treated or not, but only treated boys show such growth. (SLD)

Interviews conducted with 36 children demonstrate that boys and girls speak about the goals and concerns of children differently. Girls were more likely than boys to describe children who do the following: (1) seek practical help; (2) are too overcome with emotion to confide in others; and (3) want to be alone to resolve their problems.…