What describes rejected-aggressive children's behavior?

Cooperative and friendly behavior is generally characteristic of children who are well-accepted by their peers and possess strong social skills. Rejected-aggressive children, on the other hand, struggle with peer relationships and are often perceived negatively, which contradicts the notion of being cooperative and friendly.

While some rejected children may indeed be shy and withdrawn, the term "rejected-aggressive" specifically refers to those who exhibit overt aggression rather than withdrawal. Shyness is typically associated with social anxiety or fear, which does not align with the confrontational and loud behavior characteristic of rejected-aggressive children.

Spreading rumors can be part of relational aggression, but it is not a defining behavior of rejected-aggressive children. Instead, rejected-aggressive children are more likely to display direct and confrontational behaviors, such as arguing or physical aggression, rather than engaging in gossip or indirect manipulation.