American Men's Friendships: Self-Reports on Meaning and Changes

Abstract

Summary Differences in friendships by sex have been suggested, but little empirical data pertain to the nature and development of men's friendships. Fifty-eight American, college-educated, employed men were interviewed and compared by age (25–34; 35–50) and marital status. While most men valued interpersonal qualities in friends, the factors aiding in or inhibiting friendship formation and satisfaction with current friendships varied by groups. General patterns of decreasing numbers of friends from childhood into adulthood and greater difficulty forming friends with age emerged. Although friendships with men outnumbered those with women, attitudes toward the importance of friendships with each sex varied by groups. Findings are discussed in relation to traditional and changing male roles.