Dimensions Of Social Context Research Articles

Reactive and proactive aggression in childhood: Relations to peer status and social context dimensions

Although there has been an accumulation of evidence to suggest a link between peer-directed aggression and social rejection, little attention has been given to the relations between specific subtypes of aggressive behavior and social rejection. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relations between two subtypes of aggressive behavior (reactive and proactive aggression) and children's classroom peer status. The reciprocity of each of these subtypes of aggressive behavior and the social contexts in which these behaviors occur were also examined. Assessments of each of these forms of aggression among 70 boys (ages 5 and 6) were conducted using direct observations and teacher ratings. In general, directing reactive aggressive behavior toward peers was associated with social rejection, while utilization of instrumental aggression was positively related to peer status. The findings also indicated that directing proactive forms of aggression toward peers was related to being the target of proactive aggression. Finally, among older boys, both subtypes of aggression were more likely to occur during rough play than during any other type of play activity.

The talk of women friends

The talk of women friends has, for a variety of reasons, received little serious attention. We review (1) the sources of prejudice against this topic, (2) the dimensions of social context that shape women's friendships, and (3) the major differences between male friendships and female friendships. On the basis of prior research and an interview study, we propose that talk is central to close friendships between women. Our interview data reveal a broad range of conversational topics among women friends. The women we interviewed report that talk with their close friends creates a mosaic of noncritical listening, mutual support, enhancement of self-worth, relationship exclusiveness, and personal growth and self-discovery. We conclude by addressing issues pertaining to research methodology, to cross-cultural and sub-cultural differences, and to the politics of female friendship.

An investigation of receiver apprehension and social context dimensions of communication apprehension

This study discusses the nature of communication apprehension and self‐report instruments designed to measure it. The Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA) and a 45‐item instrument focusing on apprehension in the reception of communication were used. Two independent factors related to source versus receiver apprehension were discovered. No dimensions of communication apprehension related to social contexts (formal versus informal) were discovered. An initial 20‐item self‐report instrument labeled the Receiver Apprehension Test (RA T) was developed.