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Disentangling the "whys" from the "whats" of aggressive behaviour

University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

Christopher C. Henrich

Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA

Stephanie M. Jones

Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

Patricia H. Hawley

University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA

We examined the validity of a measurement system for the study of aggression that distinguishes among four principle dimensions of aggressive behaviour: overt and relational aggression (i.e., the "whats") and instrumental and reactive aggression (i.e., the "whys"). The sample comprised 1723 adolescents (Grades 5 through 10) from Berlin, Germany. The internal validity of the measurement system was strongly supported, revealing four discrete dimensions of aggression: two overriding forms (overt and relational) and two underlying functions (instrumental and reactive). The differential and unique patterns of criterion-related validity strongly supported the distinctions among the constructs. The importance of disentangling these dimensions in understanding the development of aggressive behaviour is discussed.

International Journal of Behavioral Development, Vol. 27, No. 2, 122-133 (2003)
DOI: 10.1080/01650250244000128


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