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Understanding aggression with adolescent girls: implications for policy and practice
1University of Western Ontario.
Summary
Adolescent girls in residential care reported varied reasons for physical and verbal fights, experiencing more negative emotions during verbal altercations. They also showed similar thought patterns during both types of conflict.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Sociology
Background:
- Adolescent aggression is a significant concern in residential care settings.
- Understanding the nuances of conflict in at-risk youth is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences, thoughts, and feelings of at-risk adolescent girls regarding physical and verbal fights.
- To identify differences and similarities in conflict dynamics with peers and parents.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews were conducted with 70 at-risk adolescent girls across 7 residential facilities.
- Data collection occurred over a 12-month period, focusing on interpersonal conflicts.
Main Results:
- Girls reported diverse motivations for initiating and escalating both verbal and physical fights.
- Negative feelings were more pronounced for verbal fights compared to physical ones.
- Cognitive processes during conflicts were similar across fight types, with greater responsibility acknowledged for fights with parents.
Conclusions:
- Findings offer insights into the psychological and social factors influencing aggression in female young offenders.
- Results have implications for tailoring treatment programs and informing public policy related to adolescent behavior.