Research on family interaction has characterized family style on centripetal and centrifugal dimensions, representing opposing natures with their own continua. Centripetal forces produce binding, or a prolonged process of separation of parent and child; centrifugal forces preciptate expelling, or hastened separation and premature autonomy. To examine how families with aggressive (N=14) or nonaggressive (N=13) boys differ on the Scales for Centripetal/Centrifugal Family Style (SCCFS; Kelsey-Smith and Beavers, 1981) 27 families were studied. Each family was videotaped during problem solving interactions. The videotapes were rated on seven of the eight subscales of the SCCFS. An analysis of the results showed significant centripetal/centrifugal differences in four of the seven subscales tested. Specifically, families with nonaggressive boys compared to families with aggressive boys, scored significantly lower on Positive Feelings, Parental Conflict, and Parental Control--Aggressive Behavior, and significantly higher on Internal Scapegoating and Parental Control--Clinging Behavior. These findings suggest that centrifugally-oriented families may be less forthcoming with positive feelings than those on the other end of the continuum. (BL)