How Does Relational Aggression Work?
Relational Aggression utilizes social skills to negatively impact a relationship(s). It covertly manipulates how others view a particular individual, by isolating them, spreading (or posting) vicious rumors and lies about their private lives, exposing secrets, and thriving on this cruelty. Relational Aggression is a form of emotional and psychological violence that usually leaves its victims in a no-win situation. Since the aggression is often covert, there is no forum in which the victim can refute the accusations, and in fact, if s/he attempts to defend her/himself, thereby suggesting that s/he ‘can’t take it’, the tormenting escalates. The victims usually know their aggressors, but the aggressors are unable to be caught -especially since there are rarely rules against this type of behavior. Girls, who have the reputation to be nice, have traditionally resorted to this type of behavior.
