The dark side of girlhood: recent trends, risk factors and trajectories to aggression and violence

Over the past two decades, rates of aggressive behavior have increased disproportionately for girls as compared to boys. However research on aggressive and violent behavior has focused primarily on boys and consequently we know relatively little about what places girls at risk, what protects them, and how those who become involved in aggressive behavior navigate a path toward adulthood. In this paper we review recent trends on girls' involvement in aggressive behavior, briefly discuss risk and protective factors, and summarize current thinking on developmental trajectories. Although much progress has been made in the past decade, we still know relatively little about the pathways, causes and correlates of aggressive behavior in girls and young women. We emphasize the need for research that is guided by developmental theory and an appreciation of the complex interplay of risk and protective factors over the course of development.