Understanding the Experiences of Relational Aggression among Adolescent Girls

Relational Aggression is an issue of concern in contemporary times as the Indian society is struggling with the challenges of aggression in different forms. Among the generalized understanding of aggression and violence, that exists among the people in general, the area of relational aggression often goes unnoticed and unaddressed but nonetheless is an important reality of our interpersonal relationships. This is particularly important issue of study for adolescents since how we negotiate issues in our developmental years lays a strong foundation for later healthy relationships. The study explores the issue of relational aggression among adolescent girls in the first year undergraduate colleges of Delhi University in India. In- depth interviews were collected on 15 participants around the relational issues and challenges of close friendships and close relationships. Data was analyzed using thematic network analysis that revealed the dynamics of relational aggression for those socialized in a collectivistic society, the strategies and ways of negotiating interpersonal issues as preferred by adolescent girls and self- other dynamics in the relational self. The study shows important insights into the vulnerability and negotiating vulnerabilities in close relationships, particularly in a changing socio- cultural scenario of Indian society.

Keywords: Relational Aggression, Close Relationships, Adolescent Girls, Vulnerability