Sex Differences in Behavioural Impulsivity, Intellectual Impulsivity, and Attainment in Young Children

Are boys more sensitive to sensitivity? Parenting and executive function in preschoolers

“…This is in line with Maccoby's early model of an inverted U-shaped relationship between impulsivity and intellectual performance (Maccoby, 1967). According to this model, girls lie on the more passive (less impulsive) end and boys lie on the more active end of this U shape; factors that make girls more active, and make boys more passive, increase performance (Maccoby, 1967; but see Garner, Percy, & Lawson, 1971). Sensitive parenting may be one such calming factor for boys.…”