PARENT- AND PEER-RELATED VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH RELATIONAL AGGRESSION IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD

To date, the research testing the predictors of relational aggression has largely mirrored that of the more robust physical aggression literature. Similar to the physical aggression literature, research on relational aggression has focused on age and gender differences and, more recently, the possible associations between relational aggression and other variables. However, there is a lack of research investigating the parent and peer behaviors that could potentially model relationally aggressive behavior in children. The current study drew upon social-cognitive models of aggression to test such associations. Specifically, I measured parents ’ use of psychological control with their children, parents ’ use of manipulative behavior with their children and other adults, and peer groups ’ use of relational aggression to determine whether these variables predicted children’s use of relational aggression. It was expected that the aforementioned variables would be positively associated with children’s use of relational aggression. One hundred and sixty-five fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade children (52 % male) enrolled in public elementary schools in the Midwest participated in the study. Additionally, 137 femal