Friendship Satisfaction and Gender: An Examination of Sex Differences in Contributors to Friendship Satisfaction

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine sex differences in characteristics associated with the core provisions of friendship, namely, intimacy, mutual assistance and companionship. Although sex differences in the magnitude of these provisions were expected, it was hypothesized that the characteristics would function in a similar manner to promote friendship satisfaction. An additional goal was to provide an empirical evaluation of the relative contribution of the three types of provisions to friendship satisfaction. In Study 1, trust in male and female friends (intimacy), orientation to assistance (communal and exchange) and companionship attributes of friends were examined as elements of the individual's cognitive conceptions of friendships. The females (n = 94) reported greater trust in males, a more communal orientation to assistance and greater friendship satisfaction. Regression analyses revealed that for both males (n = 80) and females, trust in male friends contributed to friendship satisfaction while an exchange orientation detracted from it. In Study 2, Seventy-eight males and sixty females indicated the levels of self-disclosure, reciprocal exchange of assistance, enjoyment and negativity in their established friendships. Sex differences were evident in the magnitude of self-disclosure and friendship satisfaction reported by males and females. For both males and females, self-disclosure and friendship enjoyment were the significant predictors of friendship satisfaction. Overall, this research demonstrates that the characteristics associated with intimacy, namely self-disclosure and trust, and the affective tone associated with companionship are the most important contributors to friendship satisfaction for both males and females.