Similarity in adolescent best friendships: The role of gender

M.H.W. van Zalk, S.J.T. Branje, W.H.J. Meeus

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine dyadic similarity among mutual adolescent best friends and the moderating role of gender in this similarity. Questionnaire data were gathered from 267 Dutch adolescent same-sex best friends (mean age = 14.58). Results showed that both boys and girls were found to be more similar to their mutual best friend in the Big Five personality traits extraversion and agreeableness. Furthermore, only girls were more similar to their mutual best friend than randomised pairs in problem behaviour and perceived relationship characteristics. In general, similarity seems to play a larger role in mutual best friendships between girls than between boys.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)42-48
Number of pages7
JournalNetherlands Journal of Psychology
Volume63
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2007

Keywords

  • Best friendships
  • adolescence
  • similarity-attraction hypothesis
  • gender differences

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