UCLA

The teachers in this action research study examined the problem of relational aggression at Whirlwind Academy. Relational aggression can be defined as the purposeful manipulation of peer relationships with the intent to cause harm. Associated behaviors may include social exclusion, gossip, clique-forming, and cyber bullying. The nine teachers analyzed middle school girl behaviors to identify relational aggression, effective relational aggression intervention, and their own confidence to intervene. In addition to the teachers' collaboration, they met twice with a panel of seven middle school girls to better understand the students' first-hand experiences with the problem. This action research process enabled the teachers to self-reflect about their own experiences with relational aggression and how their personal histories influenced their practices as teachers. By the conclusion of the study, the teachers had changed their identification of relational aggression among their girls at Whirlwind and preventative interventions. They reported that they needed additional support by the school administration to feel confident enough to change their reactive interventions in a sustainable way. This action research process may be duplicated with other teachers or schools to facilitate site-specific relational aggression intervention training.