Functions, Targets, and Outcomes of Specific Forms of Social Aggression: A Daily Diary Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT The authors investigated 8 specific forms of social aggression (SA) in terms of the functions they serve, the characteristics of the peers targeted by them, and the outcomes associated with using the behaviors. Two hundred and seventeen fifth- and seventh-grade boys and girls completed a structured daily diary for 5 consecutive days in their English classes. Participants reported on their own acts of SA. Girls reported using SA overall more frequently than boys, but most specific forms of SA were used equally often by both genders. Consistent with study hypotheses, different forms of SA were associated with different functions, targets, and outcomes. Gender and grade moderated many of these associations. The need for greater understanding of the underlying processes associated with SA, including the role of gender, are highlighted.