| The study investigated the development of verbal/physical and relational aggression in a community sample of five to seven year old children (n = 161). Playground behavioral observations and peer nominations were used to assess gender differences and continuity in levels of perpetrating and being victimized by verbal/physical and relational aggression across a 12-month period, as well as to examine the convergence between measures (i.e. self-report and behavioral observation). Results showed significant gender differences in displays of aggression. Males were more often perpetrators and victims of verbal/physical and relational aggression in comparison to same aged females. Males and females were found to engage in icing amounts of verbal/physical aggression with age, with males showing a higher level of verbal/physical aggression at younger ages and continuing with this trend as they mature. In contrast, males and females did not demonstrate similar age-related change in relational aggression. As males matured, they engaged in increased displays of relational aggression, while females evidenced a decrease relational aggression. Modest levels of cross-time continuity were observed in the perpetration and being victimized by verbal/physical and relational aggression for both genders on the two measures. The covariation between verbal/physical and relational aggression for both genders was significant but greater for males. Convergence between measures was found for verbal/physical aggression, with the exception of females at the spring of kindergarten. In contrast, convergence between instruments was not found for relational aggression. For both genders, the covariation between perpetration and being victims of verbal/physical aggression was significant, with associations strengthening as children aged. The covariation between perpetration and being victims of relational aggression for both genders was less strong than for verbal/physical aggression, and appeared to diminish with age. Results suggest that young males and females engage in verbal/physical aggression at increasing rates from age 5 to 7, with males showing rates of relational aggression that surpass those of females. Findings provide initial evidence for the importance of studying relational aggression in younger samples, as well as for the utility in incorporating observational methods in studies of aggression. |
