Bullying: Relational Aggression

The document defines and discusses relational aggression or bullying. It is behavior intended to cause mental distress or harm relationships through social manipulation and exclusion. Relational aggression is often mistaken for minor arguments. It involves using relationships and friendships as weapons to gain control and lower the self-esteem of the victim while increasing the social status of the bully. While both girls and boys engage in this behavior, girls are more likely to be involved. The effects of relational aggression can be lifelong for both victims and aggressors, including lower self-esteem, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and social problems. Common forms include gossiping, social exclusion, and influencing peer rejection of others. Relational aggression often goes unreported andRead less