Exploring qualities present in current versus dissolved cross-group friendships

Elena Buliga,Phuong Nguyen,Cara C Macinnis

doi:10.32872/spb.2951

Abstract

In general, cross-group friendships are less stable than same-group friendships. What conditions are present in currently existing versus dissolved cross-group friendships? In order to examine qualities that may influence cross-group friendship stability we compared current and dissolved friendships, including cross-group friendships. Cross-group friendships exist in various group domains, some more easily categorizable than others. That is, sometimes it is easy to tell that a relationship is cross-group (e.g., cross-race), and other times this is less clear (e.g., cross-socio-economic status). Thus, we compared current and dissolved friendships across both a more and a less easily categorizable group domain. In this study, participants reported on their current and dissolved friendships, and we found that, overall, friendship influencing qualities such as closeness, similarity, and social network integration (i.e., becoming friends with the friends of one’s own friends) were present to a greater extent in current versus dissolved friendships. This was the case for both cross-group and same-group friendships. These qualities may influence cross-group friendship stability.

Highlights

Cross-group friendships are less stable than same-group friendships
In order to realize the positive outcomes of cross-group friendships, these friendships need form but last; but what qualities might influence cross-group friendship stability? As an initial step in answering this question, we examined conditions that may be present to a greater extent in current cross-group friendships among adults
In the interest of reducing prejudice and promoting positive intergroup relations, it is important to understand the dynamics of cross-group friendships

Summary

Introduction

Cross-group friendships are less stable than same-group friendships. What conditions are present in currently existing versus dissolved cross-group friendships? In order to examine qualities that may influence cross-group friendship stability we compared current and dissolved friendships, including cross-group friendships. Close relationships with people belonging to social groups other than one’s own—i.e., cross-group friendships—are associated with positive outcomes including lower prejudice (Davies, Tropp, Aron, Pettigrew, & Wright, 2011), reduced anxiety during intergroup. Intergroup contact is more effective in reducing prejudice for advantaged than disadvantaged group members (Dixon, Levine, Reicher, & Durrheim, 2012) and intergroup contact can diminish interest for collective action or policies in support of minority groups (Tausch, Saguy, & Bryson, 2015; Tropp, Hawi, Van Laar, & Levin, 2012)

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Conclusion