What motivates relational aggression?
When we asked youth why relational aggression occurs, their responses included:
- Belonging – "If I share the secret she told me with you, my information can get me ‘in’ with the popular group."
- Fear – "I’m afraid of being rejected by my classmates, or that I'll be the next target, so I go along with it."
- Drama – "I’m bored, and relational aggression creates drama and excitement."
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