Metacognitive approach responses of preschoolers about sex differences in emotionality were examined to determine if they could be modified by contextual cues. Fear was clearly perceived as a feminine emotion by preschoolers. Sadness was not seen as gender-specific. Females utilized imagery as a mediator of their gender attribution. Results indicate that salient features of a particular situation may override a young child's stereotypic beliefs about emotionality. For children as well as adults, stereotypes may not be exceptionless generalizations. (Author/BEF)