Popularity differentially predicts reactive and proactive aggression in early adolescence

In this study, we examined associations between peer‐perceived popularity, and reactive and proactive aggression using a cross‐sectional and a longitudinal design. Yearly sociometric measures of popularity, and reactive and proactive aggression were gathered from 266 seventh and eight grade adolescents (Mage grade 7 = 12.80, SDage = .40). Popularity was positively correlated with proactive aggression and negatively correlated with reactive aggression, both concurrently as over time. Curvilinear trends indicated that a significant minority of low versus high popular adolescents showed both functions of aggression. Somewhat stronger effects of popularity on proactive aggression were found for boys than girls. Stably popular adolescents showed the highest levels of proactive aggression, whereas stably unpopular youth showed the highest levels of reactive aggression. Implications and directions for future research are discussed. Aggr. Behav. 9999:XX–XX, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Source: Aggressive Behavior - August 24, 2015 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Sabine Stoltz, Antonius H.N. Cillessen, Yvonne H.M. van den Berg, Rob Gommans Tags: Research Article Source Type: research