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Back to Newsletter Page We’re pleased to announce that Dr. Elizabeth Fazio and Dr. Lindsay Harrow have joined our practice! Click here to learn more about them. This autumn we’re offering the following Groups:
What is Relational Aggression (RA)?Relational aggression is described as any behavior that is intended to harm someone by damaging or manipulating relationships with others (Crick & Grotpeter, 1995). Unlike other types of bullying, relational aggression is not as overt, or noticeable as physical aggression. However, the effects can be long lasting. Studies have shown that males tend to use more physical aggression and victimization than females. Both boys and girls intend to inflict harm but there are differences in how they express these feelings. Females tend to use more covert forms of aggression to express their anger. Many feel that our society places value on girls “being nice” and teaches codes of behavior about what is appropriate. These expectations can lead to finding more discreet ways to express feelings. While boys tend to be more direct and confront others or even get into physical fights, girls tend to avoid direct confrontation and instead tend to talk behind one’s back and spread rumors and try to develop an alliance against the particular person. In pre and early adolescence, much value is placed on friendships and social connections. Thus, relational aggression is seen as most prevalent in these years. RA has been noted as early preschool age and can continue into adult workplaces. In the past, many of these behaviors were dismissed and seen as “rites of passage” or even normal behavior. However, the harmful effects are being recognized as anything but normal. In fact, the National Education Association reports that as many as 160,000 kids miss school every day out of fear of being victimized by such behaviors. Research shows that students who have been the targets of RA have increased depression, lower self-esteem, lower GPA, increased anxiety and sadness, more anger, eating disorders and loneliness. Students who tend to be relationally aggressive have been shown to become increasingly more depressed, rejected, and withdrawn. Types of RAThere are two types of relational aggression: Proactive and reactive. Proactive relational aggression is when behaviors are a means for achieving a goal. For example, one girl may need to exclude another girl from her group in order to maintain her own social status. Reactive relational aggression is behavior that is in response to provocation, with the intent to retaliate. For example, a girl gets teased in the hallways repeatedly and she may become a teaser in order to protect himself from teasing. Methods & MotivationWhile relational aggression can take many forms, some of the methods include:
Motivation for relational aggression can vary as widely as the methods. However, most motivation includes:
Tips for Parents
This information was developed based on information from a workshop presented by YouthLight, Inc., entitled: Mean Girls—Working with Relational Aggression. Further resources on RAWeb Sites:
Books:
If this information has sparked some questions, or if you¹d like to talk to one of us about
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