Aggression strategies among older adults: Delivered but not seen

This review examines the relationship between individual determinants and age-related changes in the use of direct and indirect aggression among male and female older adults. To the extent that age-related changes in the use of conflict strategies, gender roles, and emotional responsiveness play a role in the expression of aggression, older adults are likely to employ strategies that are adaptive to their life circumstances and that maximize effects of aggression while minimizing personal risk. Past research on direct and indirect aggression, conflict strategies, emotional regulation, and gender roles provide support for the idea that aggression among older adults exists but is unseen; that is, older adults are likely to employ more indirect than direct aggressive strategies when faced with interpersonal conflict. Directions for future research are discussed.