Understanding relational aggression within a self-in-relation framework: A phenomenological study

In this study, the experience of relational aggression in 6th through 9th grade girls was investigated using a phenomenological approach. Six girls were interviewed and the interview data were analyzed qualitatively. It was hypothesized that girls' experiences of relational aggression could be understood within the framework of self-in-relation theory. Several categories and themes emerged from the interview data. The major categories were felt-experiences of relational aggression, causal explanations and dynamic explanations of relational aggression, and consequences of relational aggression. The hypothesis was supported as several themes within each category were well matched to the concepts derived from the self-in-relation model. Many of these themes were present across all of the participants, suggesting these may be invariant elements of she phenomenon of relational aggression. For example, the need for a friend and the avoidance of disconnection were common themes across the participants. Also, hurt and sadness in the context of loss was a common theme across the participants. In addition to the mane commonalities across participants, each participant also experienced relational aggression in her own unique ways. Future research is needed to more fully understand the phenomenon of relational aggression in order to develop appropriate and effective prevention and intervention programs.