Age and gender differences in the nature, meaning, and function of cherished possessions for children and adolescents

Age and gender differences were examined concerning the nature (types of objects considered special), meaning (person/nonperson, past, present, and future associations), and function (emotional, social, identity development, and play) of cherished possessions. One hundred twenty subjects in six age categories (6, 9, 11, 14, 16, and 18 years), with 10 males and 10 females comprising each age group, were interviewed. Results indicated significant age, gender, and age by gender interactions. For example, younger children were egocentric in the meanings assigned to their cherished possessions, while older children held social relationships meaningful; females favored items to be contemplated while males favored action items; possessions which were meaningful for the "enjoyment" they provided decreased after age 6 years in females, but persisted in males throughout the ages studied. The findings have theoretical implications for cognitive, emotional, and social development from childhood through adolescence.