Adolescents’ Perceptions of Male Involvement in Relational Aggression: Age and Gender Differences

Abstract

This study compared age and gender differences in adolescents' perceptions of male involvement in relational aggression (RA). After viewing two of four video clips portraying RA, each participating adolescent (N = 314; Grades 8−12) answered questions related to rationalizing bullying behaviors—specifically minimizing bullying, blaming victims, and excusing bullies. Although age differences were not detected, differences in male and female perceptions were noted. Although males were more likely to minimize the impact of RA, both males and females particularly minimized the impact of male-to-male homophobic RA. In comparison to males, females expressed more sympathy for male victims and perceived bystanders as enjoying RA. Implications for bullying prevention/intervention efforts include giving greater consideration to the differences between male and female perceptions of RA; directly focusing on adolescents’ rationalizations for tolerating/condoning male homophobic bullying; and expanding beyond the bully–victim dyad to consider the broader social context surrounding bullying.

Keywords:

• relational aggression
• homophobic bullying
• adolescent perceptions
• rationalization
• rape myth