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Distribution of Verbal and Physical Violence for Same and Opposite Genders Among Adolescents

Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Science, University of Haifa, zeevwin{at}research.haifa.ac.il, The Center for the Study of Society, University of Haifa, Israel

Guy Enosh, Ph.D

Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Studies, University of Haifa, enosh{at}research.haifa.ac.il, Center for the Study of Society, University of Haifa, Israel

The present study was set up to test the perceived distribution of verbal and physical violent behaviors among same- and opposite-genders. More specifically, those perceived violent behaviors are examined as the outcome of adolescents' cost-risk goals. The study assumes two conflicting social goals: Whereas the goal of risk reduction may motivate withdrawal from conflict, and decrease the prevalence of violent events, the goal of pursuing social status may motivate initiation and/or retaliation, thus increasing the prevalence of violence. The study is based on a sample of 155 high-school students that recorded the frequency of observing violent events in their peer group over a one-week period. Findings demonstrate that for males, opponent gender had a primary effect on violence distribution. Males exhibited violence against males more frequently than against females. This result is consistent with the assumption that males set a higher priority to pursuing social status. For females, verbal violence was more frequent than physical forms of aggression. This is consistent with the assumption that females set a higher priority on avoiding risk. These results are discussed from an evolutionary cost-risk perspective.

Key Words: Distribution of violence • goal driven aggression • gender differences

American Journal of Men's Health, Vol. 2, No. 3, 272-280 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1557988308319035


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