Maintaining Stable Friendships: An Investigation of Strategic and Routine Communication

by David A. Cichocki

Overview

Other investigators have surmised that different types of relationships use diverse maintenance strategies in order to keep the relationship in existence. This study examines relational maintenance strategies that people use specifically in the relationship known as friendship.

Five adult friendship couples were interviewed for maintenance strategies they use to sustain their friendship. The discussions were recorded and transcribed. The Constant Comparison method was used to compare and contrast the data in order to discover strategies unique to friendships.

Results revealed seven strategies including Openness; Approach to Conflict; Identification; Admiration; Togetherness; and Sense of Continuance. These friendship strategies are uniquely utilized, and therefore distinctive, to the relationship. This may be due to the way people are socialized in our society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781581120127
Publisher:	Dissertation.Com
Publication date:	12/19/1997
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.28(d)

Table of Contents

	Table of Contents	i
	List of Tables	iii
Chapter 1	Introduction	1
	The Friendship Relationship	2
	Definition of Friendship	2
	The Nature and Function of Friendship	4
	Friendship Development	6
	Relational Maintenance	11
	Definitions of Relationship Maintenance	11
	Factors Impacting Maintenance	17
	Communication and Relationship Maintenance	20
	Maintenance Strategies	26
	Related Literature on Maintenance Strategies	26
	Friendship Strategies	31
	Summary	42
Chapter 2	Methodology	46
	Procedure	49
	Analysis	56
Chapter 3	Results	59
	Openness	59
	Approach to Conflict	64
	Identification	72
	Admiration	76
	Togetherness	81
	Sense of Continuance	86
Chapter 4	Discussion	90
	References	99
Appendix A	List of Relational Strategies	106
Appendix B	List of Questions used in the Interviews	107
Appendix C	Consent Form	108
	Endnotes	109