According to Brendgen, early physical aggression is a predictor of what?

• A. Increased physical aggression later in life
• B. Increased social aggression later in life
• C. Decreased rates of social interaction
• D. Higher instances of violence in adulthood

Answer: (B)

Brendgen's research indicates that early physical aggression can be a predictor of increased social aggression later in life. This connection stems from the understanding that the developmental trajectory of aggression can evolve from overt forms, like physical aggression, to more subtle forms, such as social aggression, where relational dynamics play a significant role. Children who exhibit physical aggression may develop certain interpersonal skills or maladaptive social strategies that lead them to engage in social manipulations or relational aggression as they grow older. This transition suggests that the early displays of aggression can shape future social interactions and conflict resolution strategies.

The other options, while they may seem plausible, do not specifically capture the findings from Brendgen's work concerning the relation between types of aggression at different stages of development. Increased physical aggression later in life would relate more to a continuity of physical aggression itself rather than a shift to social aggression. Decreased rates of social interaction may not necessarily follow from physical aggression; individuals can still interact socially but in more aggressive or manipulative ways. Lastly, while higher instances of violence in adulthood could potentially stem from early aggressive behavior, Brendgen's research focused more on the nature of aggression itself—its form (physical vs. social) rather than broader outcomes like violent crime.