Abstract
Relational processes are well known to play a central role in human development. This qualitative, descriptive case study examined relational issues of early adolescent girls that arose during a two-week adventure education expedition. Interviews were conducted with 12 ethnically and socioeconomically diverse girls. Results revealed the importance of relationships to girls' experiences on course and that relational aggression affected students' overall course experience. The structure and culture of the course encouraged girls to develop authentic relationships with their peers and to reject engaging in relational aggression. Two students resisted these programmatic interventions. Students who embraced these programmatic interventions reported feeling more trustful of peers, more able to share their feelings and opinions, and more optimistic about making new friendships.
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