Abstract

Exposure to relational aggression in various contexts has been found to predict relationally aggressive behavior in adolescents. Past research has examined socializing factors of relational aggression separately. The current study expounds upon this research by looking at three important contexts for socialization of relational aggression during adolescence together: media relational aggression, parental psychological control, and couple relational aggression. Specifically, this study looked at how these different socializing factors combine to predict relational aggression. Participants consisted of 423 adolescents and their parents. A person-centered approach was used to determine different profiles. Latent profile analysis found three profiles, including "average" (78%), "high psychological control" (18%), and "high couple relational aggression" (4%). The "high psychological control" group significantly predicted relational aggression in adolescents. Adolescents may be learning from their parents that it is appropriate to treat others in a relationally aggressive way. Parents need to promote a family culture of love and warmth rather than aggression.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Marriage, Family, and Human Development

Rights

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