Relational aggression only affects teenage girls, right?
No. Relational aggression is relevant at all ages and genders; however, it may look different at various developmental stages. For example, relational aggression is more explicit with younger children (“You can’t come to my birthday party!”) and more subtle with older adolescents (e.g. using instant messaging to hurt others, using gossip to hurt someone).
Research has found that there are no gender effects when it comes to relational aggression. Today's boys need our help just as much as today's girls. Our mission evolved over time to encompass both populations, and we are also branching out to explore the issue of covert aggression in the adult workplace.