Publication Date

2009

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Abstract

This thesis proposes that relational theory offers an appropriate and effective framework for both prevention and intervention in situations of covert bullying behavior among pre-adolescent females. After a review of recent literature about the phenomenon of pre-adolescent female bullying, the thesis describes the relational theory advocated by feminist psychology professionals in the last thirty years as an alternative understanding of female social and emotional development that contrasts with the previously dominant male-based paradigm. Following the suggestions of relational theorists, the thesis proposes a new understanding of the specific covert bullying behaviors of young girls that is based on insights into their social context and also suggests ways that these behaviors can be detected and prevented while offering girls more constructive and healthy means for life-giving connections.

Comments

ii, 38 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. Includes bibliographical references (p. 34-38).

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