Graduate Program
Clinical Psychology
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
2012
Thesis Director
Wesley Allan
Thesis Committee Member
Assege HaileMariam
Thesis Committee Member
Russell Gruber
Abstract
Research examining relational and overt forms of aggression and socialpsychological adjustment in childhood has greatly increased over the last decade. Studies have shown that children view both relationally manipulative behaviors and physically harmful behaviors as "aggressive". Children's beliefs about the legitimacy of aggression (i.e., cognitions) and emotions are related to overt aggression. However, few studies in this area have examined both types of aggression ( overt and relational). This study examined the relationship between childhood aggression and children's cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, in a day camp setting. Results demonstrated that all three domains were related to overt and relational aggression. More specifically, child emotions were significantly linked to overt and relational aggression, beyond that of child cognitions and behaviors. A differential relationship may exist between emotion regulation and overt aggression, compared to emotion regulation and relational aggression, encouraging further research in this area. This study supports the importance of including relational aggression in the study of child aggression, as relational aggression is significantly linked to children's cognitions, emotions, and behaviors, along with overt aggression.
Recommended Citation
Fuelling, Chelsea M., "Overt and relational aggression in a camp setting: Links to cognition, emotion, and behavior" (2012). Masters Theses. 1021.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1021
