Question

In general, toddlers are more aggressive than preschoolers. However, social and relational aggression characterized by aggression with intent (i.e., hostility) tends to increase during the preschool years.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

The statement is true; toddlers often show more physical aggression, while preschoolers develop more sophisticated forms of aggression with intent, like social or relational aggression. This shift corresponds with emotional and social development that occurs in preschool years.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement regarding toddlers and preschoolers' aggression levels is True. Toddlers generally exhibit higher levels of physical aggression due to their limited ability to regulate emotions and behaviors. Physical aggression tends to decline as they move into the preschool years. However, during the preschool age, which typically ranges from 3 to 6 years, children's social and emotional development progresses, allowing them to engage in more sophisticated forms of aggression, such as those motivated by intent, including social and relational aggression.

Preschoolers learn to navigate social hierarchies and relationships, sometimes using aggression with intent, such as hostility, to influence or control social situations. This can manifest as verbal aggression or relational aggression, such as excluding peers from play or spreading rumors. Health professionals and educators often view this developmentally normative change with concern, as it can have negative consequences on peer relationships and individual well-being.

Overall, while toddlers may exhibit more outwardly aggressive behaviors due to developmental factors, preschoolers may engage in more nuanced forms of aggression as they gain social awareness and seek to assert themselves in the social realm.