Males’ Support Provision for Friends in Personal and Professional Problems

• In Event: Am I Saying the Right Thing? Providing Social Support in Interpersonal Relationships

Abstract

This paper discusses the enactments of support in male friendships. Data was gathered by qualitative episode interviews (N = 25) and analysed with Interactive Coping Behaviour Coding System. Males’ support provision in personal, professional, and alcohol-related problems was scrutinized. Results showed that giving perspective, suggestions, and comfort is typical but substantially more scarce in alcohol episodes. Friends’ perceived responsibility influences the types of support provided. Men were also found to commit to frankness in friendships.

Authors

• Ira A. Virtanen, University of Tampere

• Pekka Isotalus, University of Tampere