Chapter 15: friendship

Friendships during adolescence

-are characterized by intimacy and trust (prioritize this over large groups of friends). -whether or not social needs (secure attachments, playful companionship, social acceptance, intimacy, and sexual relations) are met largely determines emotional well-being.

Friendship during childhood

-children's friendships are generally characterized by similarity. -often have similar attitudes towards school, similar educational aspirations, and closely aligned achievement orientations. -advantages are seen when friends are socially skilled, supportive, and oriented toward academic achievement.

Friendship in late adulthood

-functions of late-life friendships -intimacy and companionship are basic to meaningful late-life friendships -late-life friends help shield each other from negative judgments stemming from stereotypes of aging -friendships link aging adults to the larger community -friendships help protect seniors from the psychological consequences of loss

Gender differences

-women have more friends then men and these friendships are more intimate (often talk when they get together). -men often engage in activities (especially outdoors)

Adult friendship

Friendships play an important role in adult development, especially in providing emotional support. Female, male, and female-male friendships often have different characteristics. Regardless of age, friendship is an important aspect of relationships. In old age, there often is more change in male than in female friendships.

Girl adolescent friendships

More intimate than friendships of adolescent boys (boys emphasize power and excitement). -although co-rumination can be beneficial with intimacy of friendship, it can also increase depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Friendships during emerging adulthood

Similar to adolescence, although close relationships during emerging adulthood are more integrated and similar than in adolescence. -best friendships often decline during first year of college.

Functions of friendship

companionship stimulation ego support social comparison intimacy/affection