Certain behaviors of relational aggression can occur between two people in any given context. It becomes relational aggression when the existence of the relationship, itself, or the person’s status in it is threatened for the purpose of controlling or punishing that person.
For example, the aggressor may threaten to withhold her friendship, if the other person doesn’t do what she wants her to do. Without this factor, name-calling or put downs, while mean and cruel, do not, in themselves, make relational aggression. These acts are verbal and emotional abuse, which is found within a number of different types of abusive situations.
However, relational aggression, rarely likes to go “solo”Â. Withdrawing one’s presence from a relationship is always better underscored by connecting with someone else. When this is done for spite or to punish the friend left behind, it’s relational aggression. The very nature of relational aggression makes it likely other participants, or collaborators, will be enlisted.
Demian,
~DreamSinger
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