| The problem this study addressed was the unexplored relationship between gender differentiation and relational aggression and the relationship between relational aggression and prosocial behaviors. The purpose of this study was to investigate if gender differentiation, specifically of self and others, is predictive of relational aggression in children in late childhood 11--12 years of age (N = 89).;A linear regression analysis was performed in which relational aggression was the dependent variable and gender differentiation of self and others, prosocial behaviors, and sex were predictor variables. Analysis 1 failed to provide evidence of a relationship between relational aggression and any of the predictor variables. An additional analysis was performed and the findings suggested a correlation exists between relational aggression and gender differentiation of others---traits (r = -.19, p < .05, N = 89). In the second regression model, this predictor was not statistically related to relational aggression.;The findings of this research suggest neither sex nor gender is reliable predictors of relational aggression. A relationship between gender flexibility and relational aggression was suggested. Further research to ascertain the reliability of that relationship is warranted.;These finding underline the necessity of developing interventions and educational programs that are sex and gender inclusive. By developing programs that reach out effectively to both male and female children clinicians and educators may help to reduce the number of relationally aggressive acts within our schools, neighborhoods, and soccer fields and thereby create social change. |
