Peer-perceived popularity and different forms and functions of aggression in Croatian emerging adult women

This study examines the associations between peer-perceived popularity and aggression in emerging adult women. The sample included 155 education students from the Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Zagreb (Mage = 20.5 years). Students were asked to nominate their fellow students whom they perceived as popular and unpopular to assess peer-perceived popularity. The different forms and functions of aggression were measured with the Peer Conflict Scale. The results supported the prediction that peer-perceived popularity among emerging adult women plays a more significant role in proactive compared to reactive aggression. In addition to the linear associations, a curvilinear trend also emerged, indicating that proactive overt aggression is associated with peer-perceived popularity and unpopularity in emerging adult women. The relationship between peer-perceived popularity and reactive types of aggression is more complex, suggesting that the dynamics between popularity and aggression among emerging adult women warrant further research.