Reconceptualising Relational Aggression as Strategic Communication: Girls, Goals, and Their Peer Groups

Title
Reconceptualising Relational Aggression as Strategic Communication: Girls, Goals, and Their Peer Groups
Publication Date
2017
Author(s)
Page, Angela
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9857-9054
Email: apage31@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:apage31
Charteris, Jennifer
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1554-6730
Email: jcharte5@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:jcharte5
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1017/edp.2017.2
UNE publication id
une:22090
Abstract
Since its inception, relational aggression has been conceptualised as a set of destructive attempts by young girls to get their own way, and these aggressive acts have been demonised in public and media debate. This article challenges the prevailing developmental psychopathologisation literature to centre the focus on functionality, positioning relational aggression as a set of behaviours that are used as specific communication strategies. A 'Girls' Relational Aggression Communication Model' is provided as a new conceptual framework that integrates positioning subtypes from the literature: 'popular', 'regular', and 'tough' girls. This reconceptualised communication model is a contribution to the field as it enhances understanding of the nuances in girls' relationships. In particular, it reframes the positioning of 'tough' girls, who have been largely ignored in relational aggression research.
Link
Citation
The Educational and Developmental Psychologist, 34(1), p. 78-91
ISSN
2059-0784
2059-0776
Start page
78
End page
91

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