1st Edition

The Development and Treatment of Girlhood Aggression

    332 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    336 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    After decades of neglect, researchers have begun to focus attention on the development and outcomes of girlhood aggression. This comprehensive volume provides an account of some of the pioneering research in the field. Its central aims are to highlight current understanding, identify key components for preventing and treating the complex array of problems experienced by aggressive girls, and raise new questions for future research.

    The perspectives presented by the authors highlight the diverse factors that moderate the emergence of aggression while offering insight into how to target that aggression at various stages of development. The problem is presented as a continuum from normative forms of behavior to extreme and serious attacks. The importance of relationships--particularly family relationships--is a theme that permeates the entire volume. A growing body of research indicates that aggression in girls is a predictor of long-term psychological, social, academic, health, and intergenerational problems. The knowledge provided by the authors has tremendous potential to inform practice with troubled girls, their families, and support systems.

    Contents: K. Goldberg, Foreword. D.J. Pepler, K. Madsen, Introduction: Girlhood Aggression: Building Bridges Between Research and Treatment. Part I: Girls' Aggression: Developmental Issues. D.J. Pepler, W. Craig, Aggressive Girls on Troubled Trajectories: A Developmental Perspective. K. Keenan, M. Stouthamer-Loeber, R. Loeber, Developmental Approaches to Studying Conduct Problems in Girls. K. McKnight, M. Putallaz, Commentary: A Relationship Focus on Girls' Aggressiveness and Conduct Disorder. Part II: Girls' Physical Aggression. R.H. Baillargeon, R.E. Tremblay, J.D. Wilms, Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Physically Aggressive Behaviors in the Canadian Population of Two-and Three-Year-Old Children. S. Miller-Johnson, B.L. Moore, M.K. Underwood, J.D. Coie, African American Girls and Physical Aggression: Does Stability of Childhood Aggression Predict Later Negative Outcomes? L. Pulkkinen, Commentary: New Research Approaches to the Study of Aggression. Part III: The Social Nature of Girls' Aggression. H. Xie, B.D. Cairns, R.B. Cairns, The Development of Aggressive Behaviors Among Girls: Measurement Issues, Social Functions, and Differential Trajectories. S. Artz, To Die For: Violent Adolescent Girls' Search for Male Attention. P. Verlaan, Commentary: The Importance of Social Context and Relationships in Female Aggression. Part IV: Aggressive Girls in Treatment. K.S. Levene, K.C. Madsen, D.J. Pepler, Girls Growing Up Angry: A Qualitative Study. L.D. Leve, P. Chamberlain, Girls in the Juvenile Justice System: Risk Factors and Clinical Implications. W.M. Craig, Commentary: The Treatment of Aggressive Girls: Same but Different? Part V: Aggressive Girls Grow Up. M. Zoccolillo, D. Paquette, R. Tremblay, Maternal Conduct Disorder and the Risk for the Next Generation. D.M. Stack, L.A. Serbin, A.E. Schwartzman, J. Ledingham, Girls' Aggression Across the Life Course: Long-Term Outcomes and Intergenerational Risk. J. McCord, Commentary: Aggression Among Females.

    Biography

    Debra J. Pepler, Kirsten C. Madsen, Christopher D. Webster, Kathryn S. Levene

    "After decades of neglect, researchers have begun to focus attention on the development and outcomes of girlhood aggression. This comprehensive volume provides an account of some of the pioneering research in the field. The knowledge provided by the authors can inform practice with troubled girls, their families, and support systems."
    —Family Therapy