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Gender differences in predicting antisocial behaviors: developmental consequences of physical and relational
Amber D McEachern1, James Snyder
1The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM, USA. amceachern@mrn.org
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
|November 15, 2011
Summary
Physically aggressive boys face higher peer rejection. Early physical aggression predicts later overt antisocial behavior, especially in girls, with peer rejection amplifying risks for both genders.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Early aggression is a predictor of later behavioral issues.
- Understanding gender differences in aggression pathways is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Peer rejection and antisocial behaviors are significant developmental concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine gender differences in the link between early aggression and later outcomes.
- To investigate the roles of physical and relational aggression.
- To explore the interplay of aggression, peer rejection, and antisocial behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design.
- Assessment of early physical and relational aggression.
- Measurement of later peer rejection, overt, and covert antisocial behaviors.
Main Results:
- Physically aggressive boys experienced more peer rejection than girls.
- Early physical aggression predicted later overt antisocial behavior in both genders, more strongly in girls.
- Relational aggression did not predict later antisocial behavior.
- Peer rejection amplified the risk for antisocial behaviors in the context of early physical aggression.
Conclusions:
- Gender plays a specific role in the developmental pathways of aggression and antisocial behavior.
- Early physical aggression and subsequent peer rejection are key risk factors for later antisocial outcomes.
- Interventions may need to consider gender-specific approaches to address aggression and peer relations.
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