Instrumental relational aggression (predatory, goal-oriented) is used in order for an individual to get what they want.

Both physical and relational aggression are linked to a vast number of enduring psychological difficulties, especially depression, as is social rejection.

Shunning contains aspects of what is known as relational aggression in psychological literature.

Psychological manipulation and coercion can also be considered as a type of relational aggression.

Although it can be used by both genders, relational aggression is more commonly associated with girls.

Based on these findings, girls do seem to use relational aggression somewhat more than boys.

In addition, recent international research shows that both genders tend to use relational aggression, but girls are more aware and distressed by it.

Amanda Rose (2004) claims that the main purpose of using relational aggression in first place is to enhance or maintain one's social status.

For example, females may display more verbal and relational aggression, such as social rejection.

For an attractive aggressor however, relational aggression has been found to actually have a positive relationship with perceived popularity.