Traditionally males have been regarded as the more aggressive sex. However,
recent research in several countries has challenged this notion by conside
ring different forms of aggression. This paper provides an overview of a qu
alitative investigation of teenage girls' indirect forms of aggression (e.g
,, exclusion from the group, spreading false stories), Focus groups and pai
r and individual interviews were used to collect data from adolescent girls
and their teachers in two schools. The study provides some clear insights
into the nature of teenage girls' indirect aggression. The predominant indi
rectly aggressive behaviors include talking about others and excluding peer
s from the group. Key explanations for these behaviors concern a desire to
create excitement and a range of friendship and group processes centered on
girls' needs for close personal relationships and to be a part of the peer
group. The girls described the devastating effects of indirect aggression,
particularly on girls with certain characteristics that predispose them to
victimization. The girls were pessimistic about the potential of intervent
ions, although peer mediation processes may be a way forward. (C) 2000 Wile
y-Liss, Inc.