What conclusion did Brendgen reach about the cause of social aggression?

• A. It is primarily influenced by genetics
• B. It is strongly linked to physical aggression
• C. It is more likely due to environmental effects
• D. It has no relationship with physical aggression

Answer: (C)

Brendgen's conclusions indicate that social aggression is more likely due to environmental effects, emphasizing the role of social context and interactions in its development. This perspective suggests that a child’s environment, including relationships with peers and exposure to social norms, plays a significant role in shaping aggressive behaviors that are relational or social rather than physical.

By identifying environment as a key factor, Brendgen's research highlights how external influences—such as parenting styles, peer relationships, and social experiences—can lead to the development of behaviors like exclusion, gossip, or manipulation, which characterize social aggression. This understanding goes against a purely genetic or biological model and underscores the importance of social and contextual variables in the emergence of such behaviors, indicating that interventions might be more beneficial when focused on the social environment rather than biological predisposition alone.