Differential predictors of overt and relational aggression in outpatient youth

Abstract

Youth overt (OA) and relational (RA) aggression are linked to future maladjustment and
problems such as delinquency, poor academic achievement, and depression (Crick,
Ostrov, & Werner, 2006). Although these two types of aggression overlap, overt and
relational aggression have been consistently identified as distinct forms of aggression.
Researchers explored the overlap between overt and relational aggression and review
differential predictors of these aggressive behaviors in a sample of clinically- referred
youth ages 8 to 1 7. Youth and parent beliefs about overt and relational aggression,
psychopathology, conduct problems, and parenting styles as differential predictors for
overt and relational aggression were examined in this study. Conduct problems were
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found to be the best predictor for youth overt and relational aggression. Parent reports of
youngsters OA and RA were correlated positively. However, child reports of OA and
RA were not correlated. Parent reports of child conduct problems and their overreactive
parenting styles were also correlated positively with youth OA. Child beliefs about the
legitimacy of RA were correlated positively with child beliefs about the legitimacy of
OA. Similarly, youth beliefs about RA correlated positively to self-reports of RA. In
contrast, youth beliefs about OA were not correlated to self-reports of OA. Parent beliefs
about the legitimacy of OA and RA were not correlated to youth OA and RA. Youth
generalized anxiety symptoms correlated positively to child reports of beliefs about the
legitimacy of OA and RA. Youth depressive symptoms were also correlated positively
with child beliefs about RA. Potential explanations for these findings as well as
suggestions for future research are discussed with regard these outcomes.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Wesley Allan (Supervisor)