What is Relational Aggression?
Relational aggression is defined as a “non-physical behavior that damages a youth’s status or social standing within a peer group” (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, 2019).
What are examples of Relational Aggression?
- Spreading rumors or gossip
- Not Allowing someone to leave or join a group
- Excluding others from conversations on purpose
- Refusing to share friends, possession of friends
- Eyerolling
- Hacking into someone’s account/device
- Blocking someone on social media to get revenge or exclude them
- Social Exclusion
- Silent treatment
- Forcing friends to pick sides in disagreements
- Sabotaging relationships
- Leaving someone on “read” on purpose
- Cyberbullying
- Threatening to end a friendship if a friend doesn’t comply
What can I do to prevent/intervene if a loved one or myself is experiencing Relational Aggression?
If you are experiencing Relational Aggression first-hand, reach out to a trusted adult. This can mean a teacher, counselor, or staff member as well as a trusted family member or community member.
For educators: Help students find alternatives other than using relational aggression in their peer relationships and teach them about Relational Aggression (what it is, how it can impact peer relationships, and how to identify it). Foster positive qualities of friendships among your students by practicing positive behaviors in addition to teaching them.