ERIC Number: EJ802152
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Aug
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0961-205X
EISSN: N/A
Normative Beliefs Regarding Aggression in Emerging Adulthood
Nelson, David A.; Springer, Melanie M.; Nelson, Larry J.; Bean, Nathaniel H.
Social Development, v17 n3 p638-660 Aug 2008
Few studies have examined the nature of aggression in emerging adulthood (ages 18-25), a unique developmental period wherein relationships become increasingly important and intimate. Consistent with a greater emphasis on relationships, relationally manipulative forms of aggression may be particularly salient during this time period. Based on content analysis of perceptions of 134 undergraduate students, this study documents a significant spectrum of normative aggressive behaviors among emerging adults. Participant responses were coded into categories reflective of current aggression research. Findings indicate that perceptions of salient aggressive strategies vary by gender of both the aggressor and the victim. For example, male aggression was most often described as being verbal or directly physical in nature, especially in same-sex dyads. In contrast, female aggression was most often described as being indirectly relational, verbal, or non-verbal (ignoring/avoiding) across dyads. However, direct relational aggression was also fairly prominent in perceptions of female aggression toward males.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Aggression, Content Analysis, Young Adults, Adult Development, Interpersonal Relationship, Social Behavior, Behavior Standards, Student Attitudes, Gender Differences
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A