A review of literature about relational aggression in school-aged girls

Abstract

This paper is a review of literature pertinent to the subject of relational aggression among school-aged girls, prevention programs, and school psychologists’ perceptions of these issues. Until recently, bullying in schools has focused largely on boys and physical violence, however; recently, more literature has been forthcoming about the emotional trauma caused by relational aggression in girls, known as “girl bullying.” Two types of literature are reviewed: scholarly research and popular literature, as the school psychologist will be expected to have knowledge of some of each type. A follow-up study will be conducted in the spring of 2005 in which school psychologists’ perceptions and knowledge of this issue will be investigated further.