"This book offers a thoughtful analysis of the nature and forms of girls' aggression, providing a broad,
interdisciplinary review of the extant research. Among the book's many strengths are its developmental perspective,
its attention to the context of peer relations, and its analysis of current conceptual frameworks for the study
of gender differences and aggression....Underwood has an exceptional ability to look at established issues in a
new and fresh way, and to examine both sides of theoretical debates from a balanced position. Unraveling the complexities
of the topic and delineating a roadmap for future research, this book is a 'must' for university libraries and
for those who study girls' development. Students will benefit as well from the author's careful consideration of
methodological questions. The book is suitable as a text for upper-level undergraduate and graduate-level courses
dealing with antisocial behavior, aggression, peer relations, and related issues."
--Debra J. Pepler, PhD, LaMarsh Centre for Research on Violence and Conflict Resolution, York University, Canada
Publisher Web Site, October, 2004
Summary
While several recent popular books address the topic of girls' "meanness" to one another, this volume
offers the first balanced, scholarly analysis of scientific knowledge in this area. Integrating current research
on emotion regulation, gender, and peer relations, the book examines how girls are socialized to experience and
express anger and aggression from infancy through adolescence. Considered are the developmental functions of such
behaviors as gossip, friendship manipulation, and social exclusion; consequences for both victims and perpetrators;
and approaches to intervention and prevention. Presenting innovative research models and methods, this is an accessible
and much-needed synthesis for researchers, professionals, and students.
Table of Contents
I. Setting The Stage
1. Girls' Anger and Aggression: The Bind between Feeling Angry and Being Nice
2. Childhood Aggression: Sticks and Stones and Social Exclusion
3. Gender and Peer Relations: Separate Worlds?
II. Development
4. Girls' Anger in Infancy: Early Lessons That Anger Is Unwelcome
5. Girls' Anger and Aggression in Preschool: "If You Don't Do What I Say, I Won't Be Your Friend"
6. Middle Childhood: Gossip, Gossip, Evil Thing?
7. Adolescence: Girl Talk, Moral Negotiation, and Strategic Interactions to Inflict Social Harm
III. Clinical Implications
8. Developmental and Psychosocial Consequences of Girls' Aggression
9. Prevention and Intervention: Harnessing the Power of Sisterhood
10. New Models of Social Aggression: For Its Own Sake
