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Similarities in Children’s and Early Adolescents’ Perceptions of Friendship Qualities Across Development, Gender, and Friendship Qualities

Arizona State University, sandra.simpkins{at}asu.edu

Ross D. Parke

University of California, Riverside

Mary L. Flyr

Riverside City College

Margaret N. Wild

University of California, Riverside

Similarities between adolescents are often the cornerstone of a friendship; yet researchers know little about the similarities in friends’ perceptions of the relationship. In the current study, the authors examine similarities in friends’ perceived friendship qualities during the transition into early adolescence (n = 77 third graders, 110 fourth graders, 86 fifth graders, 81 sixth graders). The same study participants were assessed every year, but different self-selected friends of the study participants were assessed each year. Youth’s perceptions of conflict, help, disclosure, companionship, conflict resolution, and validation were measured with the Friendship Quality Questionnaire. Findings suggest that the study participants’ and their friends’ perceptions of friendship qualities were moderately similar. These similarities did not typically differ across development, gender, or the type of friendship quality. The importance of friendships for development during the transition into early adolescence is emphasized.

Key Words: friendship quality • peer homophily • gender differences • friends’ perceptions

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