Aggressive Behavior in Childhood and Early Adolescence: An Ecological-Developmental Perspective on Youth Violence

This article reviews recent research on the development of aggressive behavior in childhood and early adolescence using an ecological perspective that focuses on social development in the family, school, peer group, and community. Special emphasis is placed on family processes and early childhood peer relations that appear to tip developmental trajectories toward social rejection at school and use of aggression to achieve social goals in interpersonal relationships. The article discusses implications for preventing youth violence.