A Comparison of Maintenance Strategies in the Friendships of Young Adults, Middle Age Adults, and Older Adults

• In Event: Are We Just Friends or Friends with Benefits?

Abstract

A sample of 387 adults (18 to 97 years of age) completed questionnaires assessing maintenance strategies and satisfaction in a close friendship. Results indicated that all strategies were correlated with satisfaction. However, young adult and older adult friends used more routine contact and activity than middle age adult friends. Young adult friends used more social networking and instrumental support than other age groups. Older adult friends used more avoidance of negativity than other age groups.

Authors

• Sandra Metts, Illinois State University

• Amy Beverly, Illinois State University

• Bryan Asbury, Illinois State University