Variables Associated with Friendship in an Adult Population

The relative importance of variables related to interpersonal attraction was assessed among a noncollegiate population of middle-class, middle-aged adults. Respondents included 36 pairs of close friends, SO pairs of acquaintances, and 40 pairs who were not friends. Data analysis included a discriminant analysis to distinguish the three groups and the content analysis of an open-ended question about attraction. Being perceived as polite and friendly and having similar values, interests, and background were found to be very influential predictors of friendship. Residential proximity and working together showed very modest relationships to friendship. Physical appearance was not at all related to friendship. The current research, coupled with prior findings, indicates that important differences exist between late-adolescent and young adult collegiate populations compared with middle- and later-adult noncollegiate populations in the factors predicting friendship.