A critical review of current research conducted in the United Kingdom into aggressive female youths aged 17-21.

According to recorded crime figures female youth offending rates are continuing to increase despite a decrease in overall youth offending rates. Despite this female youth aggression, violence and offending continues to be an under-researched area within social sciences. The current literature (n=8) on female youth aggression was examined through a themed analysis. The common explanations given in the current literature for the increase in female youth aggression were examined. The methodologies of the current research were evaluated with discussions on how effectively they explain the rise of female youth aggression. Further analysis was conducted on the ethical implications of conducting research into aggressive female youths. The findings indicate that the literature does not effectively explain the increase in female youth aggression or violence. This review also found that current methodologies are not always effective at investigating female youth aggression. One key issue raised from the literature was the impact that social, emotional and psychological issues can have on female youth offending; highlighting this as a key area for further investigation. This review found that the need for further research into the area of female youth aggression outweighs the potential ethical issues. The implications and recommendations for further research into female youth aggression, violence and offending are discussed.