Social Cognitive Dynamics of Popularity and Indirect Aggression: The Role of Social Goals and Social Intelligence

Abstract

This study investigated the social goals of adolescents and their use of indirect aggression. Additionally, it examined how gender, peer status (i.e. perceived popularity) and individual differences in social intelligence relate to adolescents' social goals and their use of indirect aggression. 109 seventh-graders completed a social goals measure and the Tromsø Social Intelligence Scale (TSIS; Silvera, Martinussen, & Dahl, 2001). Participants also completed a peer nomination assessment of popularity and indirect aggression. Results indicated reliable associations among social goals and peer-nominated indirect aggression. Gender, popularity, and social intelligence further moderated these associations. These findings suggest that the social goals of adolescents can be a motivating force to engage in hurtful behaviors and provide a framework from which peer relations researchers can improve peer relationships and be better equipped to intervene in indirect aggression.