Final answer:
Sonya engaged in psychological aggression, specifically relational aggression, a form of bullying that is indirect and aims to damage social relationships and reputation. This type of behavior is often seen as a subtler form of bullying than physical aggression, which can lead to significant emotional distress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sonya's behaviors are an example of psychological aggression, particularly a form of bullying known as relational aggression. This type of aggression is common among girls and includes behaviors aimed to harm someone's social standing or relationships, such as spreading rumors, sharing secrets, and excluding individuals from groups. Unlike direct physical aggression often exhibited more by boys, relational aggression is subtler and may involve manipulating social situations to damage someone's reputation, as Sonya did to Lilah.
The consequences of such bullying can be severe, leading to emotional distress and difficulty in clearing one's reputation, as what Lilah experienced. Furthermore, such aggression can lead to broader social issues, like a hostile environment in school settings and potential long-term mental health impacts on the victims.