Aggression in toddlers: Responses to the assertive acts of boys and girls

Abstract

Forty-eight toddler boys and girls, 18 to 36 months of age, were observed in play groups. The assertive acts of each child and the responses of peers and teachers were recorded. The most common type of assertion for both groups was grab or take objects, then hit, and then verbal assault. Boys produced more assertive acts than did girls. Girls' assertive acts were ignored significantly more than boys. Boys responded more to the acts of other boys than to the acts of girls, while girls responded more equally to the assertive acts of boys and girls. Hitting and taking objects received similar responses from peers. Responses to assertive acts are seen as information sources for the assertive child. The higher response rate to boys' acts informs the child that this kind of behavior will produce an effect in his world, while the lack of response to girls' acts suggest the opposite to girls.