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Girls and Physical Aggression: Causes, Trends, and Intervention Guided by Social Learning Theory

NCJ Number
224918
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 13 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2008 Pages: 346-354
Author(s)
Gretchen Snethen; Marieke Van Puymbroeck
Date Published
October 2008
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the roots of aggression from a social psychological perspective as well as the environmental changes that have occurred concurrently with the increase of physical aggression in girls.
Abstract
Social Learning Theory (SLT) provides a sound theoretical basis to describe how a society that values aggression will foster aggressive youth. As the tide turns towards a society that is accepting of physically tough girls, combined with a society that is immersed in violence, violent girls have become an overlooked consequence. Research shows media as a source of modeling and vicarious reinforcement of aggression. The use of SLT within interventions for aggressive girls provides a theoretical basis for understanding how girls develop and maintain aggressive behavior. While the amount of physical aggression demonstrated by girls is still less than boys, the percentage of arrests related to physical aggression has increased for girls while decreasing for boys. Girls are increasingly becoming the perpetrators of physical aggression. Using the SLT of aggression as a theoretical framework, this paper examines the increasing prevalence of aggression in women in society and popular culture. It reviews the etiology of aggression in girls and describes the changes in types of aggression perpetrated by girls. Recommendations are presented for both prevention and treatment interventions. References

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