Story perspectives

Study Links Hostile Sexism to Relational Aggression in Youth

4/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found hostile sexism linked to relational aggression that harms peers’ relationships.
The study analyzed 571 participants aged 17–22 in Quebec, Canada.
Men with hostile sexist attitudes were more prone to relational aggression to maintain social dominance.
Benevolent sexism did not correlate with relational aggression.
Challenging traditional gender norms could reduce prejudiced biases and improve youth interpersonal treatment.

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Story summary

A study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found hostile sexism linked to relational aggression that harms peers’ relationships.
The study analyzed 571 participants aged 17–22 in Quebec, Canada.
Men with hostile sexist attitudes were more prone to relational aggression to maintain social dominance.
Benevolent sexism did not correlate with relational aggression.
Challenging traditional gender norms could reduce prejudiced biases and improve youth interpersonal treatment.