The development of relational aggression: An introduction

This chapter provides an overview to The Development of Relational Aggression. It focusses on one type of nonphysical aggression-namely, relational aggression. Relational aggression is defined as behavior that is intended to harm another’s relationships or feelings of inclusion in a group. Unlike physical aggression, the scars of relational aggression are more difficult to see. However, victims (and aggressors) may experience strong and long-lasting consequences, including reduced self-esteem, loneliness, substance use, eating pathology, depression, and anxiety. The field of relational, indirect, and social aggression is introduced in this chapter and the need for research on these topics is delineated. Each chapter in the volume is briefly described and the major points summarized. Additionally, this chapter synthesizes the book as a whole and describes the need to examine these behaviors in a developmental context.