Aggression and today's youth: A developmental investigation of physical and relational aggression occurring at school

The present study asked a nationally representative sample ( N = 962) of 12- to 18-year-olds how often they worried about, heard about, witnessed, were victimized by, and committed aggression in or near their schools. A three-factor solution was retained for each of these instruments: relational aggression, moderate physical aggression, and serious violent physical aggression. Additionally, youth were asked how they respond to aggressive situations; a four-factor solution was used in the present study: positive proactive, aggressiveness, denial, and physical avoidance. Demographic analyses revealed that males were more likely than females to be victimized by and to commit moderate physical aggression. Additionally, females were more likely to worry about, hear about, and witness relational aggression than males. Relationships between the aspects of aggression were also assessed. Hearing about Aggression, Witnessing Aggression, and Victimization predicted how much youth worry about relational and physical aggression occurring at their schools. Witnessing aggression and being victimized predicted the likelihood of committing relational and physical aggression. Committing relational and moderate physical aggression predicted how likely youth would use aggressive strategies when confronted with aggression. The present study illustrates the importance of the distinction between relational and physical aggression, and the need to present physical aggression items that vary in severity. The present findings suggest that various levels of involvement with aggression are interrelated and affect the perpetuation of worry about aggression and also further aggressive behavior. The instruments developed have implications for use in the school system.