What does Relational Aggression involve?

Relational aggression encompasses behaviors that harm others through manipulation of social relationships rather than through physical violence. This form of aggression can include tactics such as gossiping, social exclusion, or spreading rumors to damage someone's reputation or undermine their relationships. It is particularly prevalent in adolescent social dynamics, where maintaining group cohesion and social status can drive individuals to engage in harmful interpersonal strategies.

While physical violence focuses on bodily harm, relational aggression is subtler and operates through social means, emphasizing the importance of relationships and social standing. Direct confrontations or competitive aggression typically involve overt or public expressions of hostility, which do not align with the more covert and manipulative nature of relational aggression. Understanding relational aggression provides insight into social behavior and dynamics, highlighting how individuals can inflict damage without resorting to physical confrontation.