PSYC 3480 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Domineering, Age 13, Relational Aggression
30 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Even when gender differences are found, they are small. There is overlap in the characteristics of males and females. Boys are more physically and verbally aggressive than girls (this is held cross culturally) But girls develop relational aggression (around the preschool age) which involves harming others through nonphysical hurtful manipulation of their peer relationships. Girls are more likely to perceive relational aggression acts as hurtful than boys: this is done to maintain social dominance and display superiority. Aggressive behaviour and levels of testosterone produces mixed results. Parents are less tolerant of aggression in girls (boys are actually encouraged by use of violent toys etc. : girls expect more guilt, more peer and parental disapproval and fewer material gains for aggression than boys do. Prosocial behaviour is voluntary behaviour intended to benefit someone else: toddler girls under 2 are more likely to comfort someone in distress, there are many studies that are in favour of girls in prosocial behaviour.
