| Type of Aggression | Definition | Comments |
|---|
| Instrumental aggression | Hurtful behaviour that is aimed at gaining something (such as a toy, a place in line, or a turn on the swing) that someone else has | Often increases from age 2 to 6; involves objects more than people; quite normal; more egocentric than antisocial. |
| Reactive aggression | An impulsive retaliation for a hurt (intentional or accidental) that can be verbal or physical | Indicates a lack of emotional regulation, characteristic of 2-year-olds. A 5-year-old can usually stop and think before reacting. |
| Relational aggression | Non-physical acts, such as insults or social rejection, aimed at harming the social connections between the victim and others | Involves a personal attack and thus is directly antisocial; can be very hurtful; more common as children become socially aware. |
| Bullying aggression | Unprovoked, repeated physical or verbal attack, especially on victims who are unlikely to defend themselves | In both bullies and victims, a sign of poor emotional regulation; adults should intervene before the school years. (Bullying is discussed in Chapter 8.) |