Relational Aggression

“Sticks and Stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

A psychological and emotional form of

abuse.

Known as social bullying and Girl

Bullying.

Behavior that uses the power of

relationships to hurt other people.

A covert form of bullying.

What is Relational Aggression?

Exclusion Ignoring

Malicious gossip and rumor spreading Taunts and insults

Teasing Intimidation

Manipulative affection Alliance building

Cyber bullying

LiesHumiliation

InsultsVerbal criticism

Forms of Relational Aggression

Motivation for Relational Aggression

Belonging

Fear

Drama

AnxietyLonelinessLow self-esteemPoor social self-competenceDepressionPsychosomatic symptomsSocial withdrawalSchool refusal, school avoidance Poor academic performancePhysical health complaintsRunning away from homeAlcohol and drug use

What are the Risks of RA?

“There are several theories about this. Some believe that a contributing factor is the fact that girls are socialized to be “nice” and generally not encouraged to express anger or other messy feelings. Instead, they are expected to “get along with everyone” and “be a good girl.” For many girls, this repressed anger eventually comes out in the more subtle form of RA.”

Why Do Girls Behave This Way?

Carney ,Susan. Relational Aggression and Teens.14 March.2008. <http://www.suite101.com/content/relational-aggression>

This study proposes to investigate the degree to which higher levels of skill and willingness to use relational aggression (RA) in girls is associated with being liked or disliked by their peers.

How Well-Liked Are Girls Who AreSkilled In Relational Aggression?