Assessing Child Aggression: A Tale of Two Measures

ABSTRACT

Overt-relational and reactive-proactive subtypes of aggression have demonstrated a reliable network of relationships with social-adjustment variables and these variables have been shown to be effective predictors of future behavior problems and social maladjustment. In this study, the two measures representing these classification systems were examined and compared in terms of the internal structure of behavioral items used to reflect dimensions of aggressive behavior and their pattern of social-adjustment correlates. Results for the relational-overt measure (Children's Social Behavioral Scale) demonstrate findings consistent with previous research and provide additional construct validity for these subtypes. Within the present sample, the reactive-proactive measure failed to replicate the indicated two factors and examination of the social-adjustment relationships for proactive aggression produces unanticipated results. The implications of the findings are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Reactive-proactive aggression
• relational aggression
• young children