Gender differences in “problem” behaviors

Most of the research tends to focus on the development of gender identity, and the differing ways that children experience and express their world, through play and problem behaviors. For example, using data from the first cycle (1994-95) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, CICH (2000) noted that for most
children, direct aggression (such as hitting) becomes less frequent as they age while indirect aggression (such as social exclusion) becomes more frequent. There are gender differences: boys are more likely to employ direct aggression and girls are more likely to employ indirect aggression. This report noted:
• Boys aged four to 11 years were more likely than girls to engage in bullying behaviors (defined as physical, verbal or psychological intimidation causing distress or bodily harm). Bullies and their victims have different profiles, with bullies tending to externalize, and victims tending to internalize problems. (p.
204)
• Girls aged four to 11 years are more likely to act in a consistently helpful and sympathetic manner
whereas boys of the same age are at slightly elevated risk of engaging in negative behaviors.