It is a common misperception that men are more aggressive in general than women. In fact, both sexes are equally aggressive, but it is displayed differently. Men often act out with physical aggression, whereas women more often use “relational aggression”, which is attempts to damage social relationships and status (e.g. spreading rumors).
Research out of Montclair State and the University of Michigan has concluded that relational aggression is equally as psychologically damaging to a person as bullying. Being on the receiving end of relational aggression is also predictove of social anxiety and other mental health problems. It is important for parents to understand that this type of social problem can have a legitmate impact on their kids.
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 25 May 2007
Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.
Meek, W. (2007). Kids & Relational Aggression. Psych Central. Retrieved on February 14, 2012, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2007/05/25/kids-relational-aggression/
