• Korean Journal of Child Studies
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.57-68
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• 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore whether there are gender differences in the influences of paternal parenting behavior on the relational aggression of adolescents and to examine the mediating effects of internal attribution and normative beliefs about aggressive behaviors. Methods: This study assessed 492 fifth to sixth graders from an elementary school (237 males and 255 females). Results: The results of this study were as follows: First, the effect of paternal affectionate parenting behavior on girls' reactive aggression was partially mediated by internal attribution. Second, the effect of paternal coercive parenting behavior on boys' proactive aggression was completely mediated by normative beliefs about aggressive behavior. Third, girls' proactive aggression was partially mediated by normative beliefs about aggressive behavior. Conclusion: These results suggest the need to further examine relational aggression and to help children gain positive relationships with peers.