We examined the validity of a measurement system for the study of aggression that
distinguishes among four principle dimensions of aggressive behaviour: overt and
relational aggression (i.e., the “whats”) and instrumental and
reactive aggression (i.e., the “whys”). The sample comprised
1723 adolescents (Grades 5 through 10) from Berlin, Germany. The internal validity
of the measurement system was strongly supported, revealing four discrete dimensions
of aggression: two overriding forms (overt and relational) and two underlying
functions (instrumental and reactive). The differential and unique patterns of
criterion-related validity strongly supported the distinctions among the constructs.
The importance of disentangling these dimensions in understanding the development of
aggressive behaviour is discussed.
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