Digital Commons @Brockport

The Impact of Group Counseling on Students Who Have Been Identified as Adolescent Female Relational Aggressors

Edwards Hall Lobby

Relational Aggression, a form of bullying frequently experienced and instigated by middle school girls, involves social alienation, rumor spreading and the manipulation of a relationship to cause psychological harm to an individual (Young, Boye and Nelson, 2006). This research project studies the impact of group counseling on female middle school students who have been identified as instigators of relational aggression. Relational aggression can be devastating to a victim’s self-concept as it “undermines some of the most significant personal needs and goals of youth: the need for social inclusion, a positive sense of esteem and identity, and the development of meaningful friendships” (Ripley and Oneil, 2009). This study of five 8th grade students involved 8 forty minute counseling group sessions. The researcher implemented activities and lessons adapted from textbooks in an attempt to improve female relationships by helping girls develop empathy, healthy conflict resolution, and respectful and authentic relationships with their peers. This presentation will review the results of a pre/post survey that measured group participants’ knowledge and awareness on the subject of relational aggression.