Question 15: Chapter 11
Relationships with others are a key aspect of being human
but the nature and functions of friendships differ during
childhood and adulthood. Discuss the unique role played by
friendship relationships across the adult life span. Also refer
to differences in men’s and women’s friendships as well as
to cross-sex friendships. (15)
11.1: Relationships Types and Issues
*Friendships
Researchers define friendship as a mutual relationship in which those involved influence one
another’s behaviors and beliefs, and define friendship quality as the satisfaction derived
from the relationship.
Friends are a source of support throughout adulthood.
Friendships are predominantly based on feelings and grounded in reciprocity and choice.
Friendships are different from love relationships mainly because friendships are less
emotionally intense and usually do not involve sex.
Having good friendships boosts self-esteem and happiness.
Friendships also help us become socialized into new roles throughout adulthood.
Friendships in Adulthood
From a developmental perspective, adult friendships can be viewed as having identifiable
stages:
Acquaintanceship,
Buildup,
Continuation,
Deterioration,
and Ending.
This ABCDE model describes the stages of friendships and how they change.
Whether a friendship develops from Acquaintanceship to Buildup depends on where the
individuals fall on several dimensions, such as the basis of the attraction, what each person
knows about the other, how good the communication is between the partners, the
perceived importance of the friendship, and so on.
Although many friendships reach the Deterioration stage, whether a friendship ultimately
ends depends heavily on the availability of alternative relationships.
If potential friends appear, old friendships may end; if not, they may continue even though
they are no longer considered important by either person.
Longitudinal research shows how friendships change across adulthood, some in ways that
are predictable and others not.
As you probably have experienced, life transitions (e.g., going away to college, getting
married) usually result in fewer friends and less contact with the friends you keep.
People tend to have more friends and acquaintances during young adulthood than at any
subsequent period.
Relationships with others are a key aspect of being human
but the nature and functions of friendships differ during
childhood and adulthood. Discuss the unique role played by
friendship relationships across the adult life span. Also refer
to differences in men’s and women’s friendships as well as
to cross-sex friendships. (15)
11.1: Relationships Types and Issues
*Friendships
Researchers define friendship as a mutual relationship in which those involved influence one
another’s behaviors and beliefs, and define friendship quality as the satisfaction derived
from the relationship.
Friends are a source of support throughout adulthood.
Friendships are predominantly based on feelings and grounded in reciprocity and choice.
Friendships are different from love relationships mainly because friendships are less
emotionally intense and usually do not involve sex.
Having good friendships boosts self-esteem and happiness.
Friendships also help us become socialized into new roles throughout adulthood.
Friendships in Adulthood
From a developmental perspective, adult friendships can be viewed as having identifiable
stages:
Acquaintanceship,
Buildup,
Continuation,
Deterioration,
and Ending.
This ABCDE model describes the stages of friendships and how they change.
Whether a friendship develops from Acquaintanceship to Buildup depends on where the
individuals fall on several dimensions, such as the basis of the attraction, what each person
knows about the other, how good the communication is between the partners, the
perceived importance of the friendship, and so on.
Although many friendships reach the Deterioration stage, whether a friendship ultimately
ends depends heavily on the availability of alternative relationships.
If potential friends appear, old friendships may end; if not, they may continue even though
they are no longer considered important by either person.
Longitudinal research shows how friendships change across adulthood, some in ways that
are predictable and others not.
As you probably have experienced, life transitions (e.g., going away to college, getting
married) usually result in fewer friends and less contact with the friends you keep.
People tend to have more friends and acquaintances during young adulthood than at any
subsequent period.
