We have attempted to be mindful of causal language and only use it where prior research indicates a direction.
The use of a cross-sectional design is a major limitation, because it cannot help determine the directionality of the links between the nine factors and subtypes of relational aggression, left alone causality. This bears directly on the issue of predictors vs. correlates vs. consequences of subtypes of relational aggression. Given the severe limitations of their cross-sectional design, the authors need to revise their comments with respect to directionality and their use of causality terms throughout the manuscript.