Friendship Maintenance: An Analysis of Individual and Dyad Behaviors

In three studies, friendship maintenance behaviors were investigated. In the first study, a psychometrically valid measure of friendship maintenance behaviors was developed via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Friendship maintenance behaviors of positivity, supportiveness, openness, and interaction were identified as key factors. Furthermore, maintenance behaviors differed by friendship status (best, close, or casual friends) and gender. Best friends engaged in more maintenance behaviors than close or casual friends. Gender differences in maintenance behaviors were found, such that female same-sex friendships reported using more supportiveness, openness, and interaction than male same-sex friendships. In the second study, a confirmatory factor analysis revalidated the four-factor scale structure. In the third study, the interdependence of maintenance behaviors among friendship dyads was examined. Results indicated that friendships are equitable, display self-other agreement, and perceive equity of maintenance behaviors. Furthermore, both individuals' self-reported behaviors predicted dyad level satisfaction and commitment. Areas for future research are identified and clinical implications are discussed.