Face-to-face Interaction Behaviors of Preadolescent Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Friends and Acquaintances

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether pre-adolescents interacted more similarly and more positively in best friend pairs than those in acquaintance pairs and whether same-sex dyads interacted more similarly and more positively than opposite-sex dyads. Archival videotapes were coded for the face-to-face interaction behaviors of preadolescent best friend and acquaintance dyads and same-sex and opposite-sex dyads. The dyads had been identified by sociograms completed by 56 sixth grade children. The dyads were then videotaped in face-to-face interactions. The videotapes were coded in the current study for: 1) similar behaviors (vocalizations, body movements); 2) affect (smiling, laughing, animated); 3) communication signals (latent responding, interrupting, talking at the same time); and for 4) accord (agreeing, disagreeing). The best friend versus acquaintance pairs had more similar vocalizations, they laughed more, they interrupted and talked at the same time less often and they expressed agreement more often. The best friend same-sex versus opposite-sex pairs showed more similar vocalizations and body movements, they laughed more often, they showed less latent responding and expressed more agreement. These data suggest that more positive interactions occur within best friend than acquaintance dyads and within same-sex versus opposite-sex pairs at this pre-adolescent stage.