By Jane F. Gilgun and Samantha Hirschey, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA In the previous blog, we discussed the meanings of relational aggression to those who use it and factors influencing the development aggressive behaviors. In this blog, we show how notions of executive function and self-regulation can help in understanding aggression. When girls [...]
By Jane F. Gilgun and Samantha Hirschey, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA In blog 5, we discussed definitions, the experiences of survivors of relational aggression, and the long-term developmental risks of these behaviors for survivors. In this blog, we discuss the meanings of relational aggression to perpetrators. We also show how aggression is an [...]
By Jane F. Gilgun and Samantha Hirschey, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA Girls’ relational aggression is behavior intended to damage the relationships of others. As stated earlier, relational aggression includes teasing, gossiping, ostracism, threatening to withdraw or directly withdrawing friendship or social acceptance, misrepresenting others, and spreading rumors. Some relational aggression arises from competition [...]
By Jane F. Gilgun and Samantha Hirschey, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA Instrumental and reactive aggression can be non-contact or contact behaviors. In non-contact aggression, individuals use words and non-verbal expressions such as gestures and facial expressions that harm others. In contact aggression, individuals have bodily contact that can be in the forms of [...]
By Jane F. Gilgun and Samantha Hirschey, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA Persons who commit aggressive acts base their behaviors on widely-held beliefs and practices. Often their families, communities, and mass media promote the kinds of aggression that they commit. Children and their families who become clients in child welfare agencies often are survivors [...]
By Jane F. Gilgun and Samantha Hirschey, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA Girls’ aggression is a growing concern in families, schools, and communities. Aggression is disregard for the well-being of others that results in physical, emotional, and psychological injury. For persons who commit aggression, their behaviors are logical, normal, and often necessary for them [...]
By Jane F. Gilgun and Samantha Hirschey, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA Young people who have experienced abuse and neglect often feel worthless, unlovable, and unworthy of respect. Professionals often tell them, “It’s not your fault.” This might provide temporary relief, but the negative beliefs are deeply embedded. They don’t go away without the [...]
By Jane F. Gilgun and Samantha Hirschey, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA We wrote this series of blogs on girls’ aggression for child welfare social workers. The information is also useful to other service providers, educators, and parents. About three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported each year, and one million [...]