Citation

Gower AL, Shlafer RJ, Polan J, McRee AL, McMorris BJ, Pettingell SL, Sieving RE. J. Adolesc. 2014; 37(1): 67-71.

Affiliation

Healthy Youth Development - Prevention Research Center, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA; School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.adolescence.2013.10.012

PMID

24331306

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.

Language: en