Preface: Sex differences in the functions and precursors of adolescent aggression

This volume provides a glimpse into the types of models and research questions that may contribute to our understanding of how best to interpret sex differences in adolescent aggression. In one study the authors contend that, despite changes in how aggression is expressed, the function of aggression remains fixed-to control and dominate relationships through aggressive acts and intimidation. While boys were expected to perpetrate more aggression toward peers than girls, sex differences were not observed in romantic relationships. Pepler's findings are consistent with patterns of domestic violence that have been widely documented during adulthood but only recently investigated in adolescent relationships. Another author raises important questions regarding sex differences in factors that may moderate the rewards (e.g., social status) for adolescents who engage in aggressive behavior. Using self-reports of perceived benefits and costs of physical and relational aggression, Leadbeater et al. found that the benefits of aggressive behavior in terms of perceived social status were similar for boys and girls, but the costs were not: aggressive boys were more likely than girls to be victimized themselves.