Similarity in adolescent best friendships: The role of gender
Publication date
2007-06
Authors
van Zalk, M.H.W.
Branje, S.J.T.
Meeus, W.H.J.
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Document Type
Article
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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.
Keywords
Best friendships, adolescence, similarity-attraction hypothesis, gender differences, Taverne, International (English)
Citation
van Zalk, M H W, Branje, S J T & Meeus, W H J 2007, 'Similarity in adolescent best friendships: The role of gender', Netherlands Journal of Psychology, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 42-48. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03061061