Brief report: Associations between adolescent girls' social–emotional intelligence and violence perpetration. Issue 1 (20th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gower, Amy L.; Shlafer, Rebecca J.; Polan, Julie; McRee, Annie‐Laurie; McMorris, Barbara J.; Pettingell, Sandra L.; Sieving, Renee E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of adolescence. Volume 37:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2013-11-20
• Subjects: Social–emotional intelligence -- Relational aggression -- Physical violence -- Female adolescents; Adolescent psychiatry -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.23505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2013.10.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1971

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examined associations between social–emotional intelligence (SEI) and two measures of violence perpetration (relational aggression and physical violence) in a cross‐sectional sample of high‐risk adolescent girls ( N = 253). We evaluated three aspects of SEI: stress management, intrapersonal, and interpersonal skills. Results of a multiple linear regression model accounting for participants' age, race/ethnicity, and experiences of relational aggression victimization indicated that girls with better stress management skills were less likely to perpetrate relational aggression. A parallel model for perpetration of physical violence showed a similar pattern of results. Study findings suggest that SEI, and stress management skills in particular, may protect adolescent girls – including those who have been victims of violence – from perpetrating relational aggression and physical violence. Interventions that build adolescent girls' social and emotional skills may be an effective strategy for reducing their perpetration of violence.