Abstract

This study investigated age and sex differences in aggression by quality of peer relationships in 331 adolescents, 11 or 14 years of age in 6 public schools in Seoul. They completed 2 self-reported questionnaires. All subjects were divided into 3 groups by level of aggression. Highly aggressive adolescents had significant vulnerability in peer relationships as contrasted with mid- and low- aggressive groups. They reported more egocentricity, conflict, rejection, and less emotional support from peers. Fourteen-year-old reported more intimacy, more emotional support, and less physical aggression than 11-year-olds. Boys showed much more egocentricity and perceived more rejection than girls. Boys displayed more physical aggression to persons and girls showed more angry expressions. The findings suggest that various intervention programs should be provided for peer relationships of high aggressive adolescents.

Keywords

• adolescents;
• aggression;
• quality of peer relationship

• 청소년;
• 공격성;
• 또래관계 질;