Girls and physical aggression: Causes, trends, and intervention guided by Social Learning Theory

Until recently, physical aggression among youth was a topic primarily reserved for and researched on boys. Girls are increasingly becoming the perpetrators of physical aggression. Using the Social Learning Theory (SLT) of Aggression as a theoretical framework, we examine the increasing prevalence of aggression in women in society and popular culture. This paper reviews the etiology of aggression in girls and describes the changes in types of aggression perpetrated by girls. Additionally, we make recommendations for both prevention and treatment interventions, as well as suggestions for future research.