Competition, communication, and friendship
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of competition on friendship as discussed by actual pairs of friends. Previous research has not considered how friends might compete in ways which might damage qualities necessary to sustain friendships—and yet continue that relationship. I also was interested in how friendship dyads (female/male, male/male, and female/female) might compete in different ways. I interviewed sixteen pairs of friends using standardized protocols. Following individual interviews with each member of a friendship dyad, I interviewed the pair together. Thus, I conducted a total of 48 interviews. I analyzed the interview transcripts and considered trends displayed by my study participants. In addition, I conducted an in-depth analysis of three selected dyads. Overall, competition was common in the friendships, with a variety of effects. While competition clearly damaged these friendships on occasion, it also aided some friends in a variety of ways.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Rawlins, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Communication|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology
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