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An Investigation of Relational Risk and Promotive Factors Associated with Adolescent Female Aggression

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Abstract

Despite growing trends in adolescent female aggression, much adolescent aggression research has focused on males to the exclusion of their female counterparts. Using relational-cultural and social role theories, the current study identifies the risk and promotive factors associated with adolescent female aggression. Using data from the Rural Adaptation Project (a 5 year longitudinal panel study of youth from two rural, ethnically diverse, low income counties in North Carolina), a 2-level hierarchical linear model was estimated (N = 3580). Internalizing symptoms, association with delinquent friends, peer pressure, and parent–child conflict emerged as risk factors whereas teacher support was a significant promotive factor. Results suggest that interventions should focus on negative relationships in both the parent and peer domains and underscore the need for mental health services for aggressive girls.

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Funding

Funding for this research was provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (5 U01 CE001948-03).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, Arizona State University, 340 N Commerce Park Loop, Suite 250 Tortolita Building, Tucson, AZ, 85745, USA

    Katie L. Cotter

  2. University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

    Paul R. Smokowski

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  1. Katie L. Cotter
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  2. Paul R. Smokowski
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Correspondence to Katie L. Cotter.

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Cotter, K.L., Smokowski, P.R. An Investigation of Relational Risk and Promotive Factors Associated with Adolescent Female Aggression. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 48, 754–767 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-016-0700-1

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