Overt and relational aggression in a camp setting: Links to cognition, emotion, and behavior

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.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Wesley Allan (Supervisor)