Social Aggression is a covert type of bullying also known as Relational and Indirect Aggression. With onset starting in the toddler years, this type of relationship dynamic tends to be more common among females, spanning across all cultures and socio-economic statuses.  Once believed to exist only between groups, anecdotal and empirical data show that this type of aggression is also common within groups. ​

Social aggression becomes more sophisticated in adolescence during which time gossip, name calling and exclusionary behaviours become more hurtful as does rivalry among friends - e.g. "Oh yeah?  Well he’s my boyfriend now."

A full human experience is not complete without the integration of one's "shadow" - elements of our psyche that have been repressed and denied; A difficult process that involves the acknowledgment and integration of our "dark side" so we can better manage our triggers and unhealed relational wounds.

While social aggression becomes more sophisticated over time, consistent underlying causes/correlations are ‘jealousy’ and ‘competition’.  This behaviour tends to be compounded with a propensity to express insecurity and displeasure in passive aggressive “not-so-nice” ways while attempting to appear as “sugar and spice” on the outside. 

The onset of social aggression coincides with childhood socialization.  In early childhood (ages 3-7 years), teasing and exclusionary behaviours such as intentionally not inviting a friend to a sleepover are commonplace.  During the middle years (ages 8-12 years), friendship possessiveness as well as "on-again-off-again friendships" become more prominent.

The covert and subtle nature of social aggression during adult years continues.  It can rear its ugly head in professional settings in the form of contempt and competition.  Socially aggressive women weaponize their relationships in an effort to hurt others' social and professional status.