Relational Aggression Inflicts Great Damage on Girls' Abilities to Connect to Peers
Girls' friendships can be complex, supportive, and painful all at once. It can be especially confusing when a former best friend suddenly becomes a worst enemy. Relational aggression (RA) describes behaviors intended to sabotage friendships. Starting as early as pre-school, these behaviors include exclusion and the spreading of rumors (Crick et al, 2004). While both genders report experiencing RA, the psychosocial damage goes right to the heart of what matters most to girls—connection to peers.

Learn how to define and recognize the signs of RA for both aggressors and targets according to recent updates in the DSM-5®. Solution-focused activities will be shared to help teach girls assertive communication, conflict resolution, and emotional management. In addition, practical and supportive responses for parents and adults will be discussed.

DSM®, DSM-IV-TR®, and DSM-5® are registered trademarks of the American Psychiatric Association. The American Psychiatric Association is not affiliated with nor endorses this seminar.

Course Content

A. Define the Behaviors of Relational Aggression (RA)
  1. DSM-5®and RA
  2. Behaviors associated with RA
B. Compare Differences in Gender Communication and Friendship Development
  1. Connection vs. status
  2. Characteristics of female friendships
C. Assess the Impact of Female Adolescent Brain Development on Communication
  1. Hormonal changes
  2. Developing and maintaining strengths as parts of brain begin massive pruning and rewiring process
  3. Technology effects and usage applied to RA
D. Explain Development of Roles and Cliques
  1. Female group dynamics
  2. Eight common roles
E. Describe Solution-Focused Strategies to Address RA
  1. Small group exercises to improve communication and conflict resolution
  2. Parental coaching techniques