Can men and women be friends? Evaluating the nature of same sex and cross sex friendships in adulthood.
The College of The Bahamas
Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work
Can men and women be friends?
Evaluating the nature of same sex and cross sex friendships in adulthood.
In partial fulfillment of the course requirements for Psychology 425
Name: R****** Forbes
Date: Thursday November 28, 2013.
Abstract
This study evaluates the same-sex and cross-sex friendships in adulthood. The research explores the formation of friendships in childhood through to adulthood. Then dissects intimacy and other factors that contribute to same-sex and cross-sex friendships. The original hypothesis is challenged that women and men cannot be “just friends”. The extensive research done provides the ultimate conclusion that cross-sex friendships can be formed and long-lasting however, there are terms that applies to understanding cross-sex friendship
The definition of friendships has seemingly evolved over time. Indicating what factors constitutes friendship may be a difficult task to expose as each person is different, however a study conducted by Rebecca Adams, Rosemary Blieszner and Brian De Vries combines age, gender and study location effects to reveal the definitions of friendship . The focus of the article was placed on examining the variations of friendship to conclude a definition. Authors closely examined frequent use of what was considered to be emerging and developed characteristics of friendship. The mechanisms used to conduct the study were two groups, taken from North American cities. The first city uses 28 women and 25 men of ages 55-87 and the second city uses 39 women and 25 men ages 55 to 87, as the subjects for testing. The study examined the subjects’ responses to the believed elements of friendship, which were, Behavioral Process (Self-disclosure, sociability, assistance, shared activities), Cognitive processes (loyalty, trust shared interests , acceptance, empathy, appreciation), Affective processes (compatibility, care), Structural
Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work
Can men and women be friends?
Evaluating the nature of same sex and cross sex friendships in adulthood.
In partial fulfillment of the course requirements for Psychology 425
Name: R****** Forbes
Date: Thursday November 28, 2013.
Abstract
This study evaluates the same-sex and cross-sex friendships in adulthood. The research explores the formation of friendships in childhood through to adulthood. Then dissects intimacy and other factors that contribute to same-sex and cross-sex friendships. The original hypothesis is challenged that women and men cannot be “just friends”. The extensive research done provides the ultimate conclusion that cross-sex friendships can be formed and long-lasting however, there are terms that applies to understanding cross-sex friendship
The definition of friendships has seemingly evolved over time. Indicating what factors constitutes friendship may be a difficult task to expose as each person is different, however a study conducted by Rebecca Adams, Rosemary Blieszner and Brian De Vries combines age, gender and study location effects to reveal the definitions of friendship . The focus of the article was placed on examining the variations of friendship to conclude a definition. Authors closely examined frequent use of what was considered to be emerging and developed characteristics of friendship. The mechanisms used to conduct the study were two groups, taken from North American cities. The first city uses 28 women and 25 men of ages 55-87 and the second city uses 39 women and 25 men ages 55 to 87, as the subjects for testing. The study examined the subjects’ responses to the believed elements of friendship, which were, Behavioral Process (Self-disclosure, sociability, assistance, shared activities), Cognitive processes (loyalty, trust shared interests , acceptance, empathy, appreciation), Affective processes (compatibility, care), Structural
Bibliography: BIBLIOGRAPHY Adams, R. G. (2000). Definitions of Friendship in the Third Age: Age, Gender, and Study Location Effects. Journal of Aging Studies , v.14. Bleske-Recheck, A. L. (2001). Opposite-Sex Friendshop: Sex Differences and Similarities in Initiation, Selection and Dissolution. Society for Personality and Social Psychology , 27, 1310-1323. Bleske-Rechek, A. S. (2012). Benefit or Burden? Attraction in Cross-sex Friendship. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships , 569-596. Caldwell, M. &. (1982). Sex Differences in Same-Sex Friendship. 8, 721-732. Cingoz, B. (2003). Comparison of Same-Sex Friendships, Cross-Sex Friendships and Romantic Relationships" . (Doctoral dissertation, MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY). Clare, M & Strough, J. (2009). Sex Segregation in Friendships and Normative Contexts across the Life Span. Develomental Review , 29 (3), 201-220. Reeder, H. M. (2003). The Effect of Gender Role Orientation on Same- and Cross-sex Friendship Formation. Sex Roles , 49, 143-152. Williams, D. G. (1985). Gender, Masculinity-Femininity and Emotioal Intimacy in Same-Sex Friendship. 587-600.