Coping with Peer Relational Aggression in Adolescent Girls
Author Information
Author(s): Melissa M. Gomes
Primary Institution: Virginia Commonwealth University
Hypothesis
What are the coping responses of adolescent girls after experiencing peer relational aggression victimization?
Conclusion
The study found that girls use various coping strategies, including distancing, retaliation, and seeking support, after experiencing relational aggression.
Supporting Evidence
- Girls expressed feelings of hurt and anger after victimization.
- Common coping strategies included distancing from others and seeking support.
- Some girls reported using retaliation as a coping mechanism.
- Focus groups provided insights into the emotional responses of the participants.
Takeaway
When girls are bullied by their friends, they feel sad and angry, but they find different ways to deal with it, like talking to others or trying to get back at the bully.
Methodology
Qualitative study using grounded theory techniques and focus group interviews.
Limitations
The level of victimization among participants was uncertain, and the sample consisted of older adolescents who may have different coping resources.
Participant Demographics
African American adolescent girls, mean age 18.3.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website