The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of aggression and conflict-managing skills on popularity and attitude
to school in Russian adolescents. Three types of aggression (physical, verbal, and indirect), constructive conflict resolution, thirdparty
intervention, withdrawal, a...
The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of aggression and conflict-managing skills on popularity and attitude
to school in Russian adolescents. Three types of aggression (physical, verbal, and indirect), constructive conflict resolution, thirdparty
intervention, withdrawal, and victimization were examined using the Peer-Estimated Conflict Behavior (PECOBE)
inventory [Bjorkquist and Osterman, 1998]. Also, all respondents rated peer and self-popularity with same-sex classmates and
personal attitude to school. The sample consisted of 212 Russian adolescents (101 boys, 111 girls) aged between 11 and 15 years.
The findings attest to significant sex differences in aggression and conflict resolution patterns. Boys scored higher on physical and
verbal aggression, and girls on indirect aggression. Girls were socially more skillful than boys in the use of peaceful means of
conflict resolution (they scored higher on constructive conflict resolution and third-party intervention). The attributional
discrepancy index (ADI) scores were negative for all three types of aggression in both sexes. Verbal aggression is apparently more
condemned in boys than in girls. ADI scores were positive for constructive conflict resolution and third-party intervention in both
genders, being higher in boys. In girls, verbal aggression was positively correlated with popularity. In both sexes, popularity showed
a positive correlation with constructive conflict resolution and third-party intervention, and a negative correlation with withdrawal
and victimization. Boys who liked school were popular with same-sex peers and scored higher on constructive conflict resolution.
Girls who liked school were less aggressive according to peer rating. They also rated higher on conflict resolution and third-party
intervention. Physical aggression was related to age. The results are discussed in a cross-cultural perspective.