Friendship chemistry: An examination of underlying factors

Kelly Campbell,Nicole Holderness,Matt Riggs

doi:10.1016/j.soscij.2015.01.005

Kelly Campbell, Nicole Holderness + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soscij.2015.01.005

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Abstract

Interpersonal chemistry refers to a connection between two individuals that exists upon first meeting. The goal of the current study is to identify beliefs about the underlying components of friendship chemistry. Individuals respond to an online Friendship Chemistry Questionnaire containing items that are derived from interdependence theory and the friendship formation literature. Participants are randomly divided into two subsamples. A principal axis factor analysis with promax rotation is performed on subsample 1 and produces five factors: reciprocal candor, mutual interest, personableness, similarity, and physical attraction. A confirmatory factor analysis is conducted using subsample 2 and provides support for the 5-factor model. Participants with agreeable, open, and conscientious personalities more commonly report experiencing friendship chemistry, as do those who are female, young, and European/white. Responses from participants who have never experienced chemistry are qualitatively analyzed. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

Highlights

Interpersonal chemistry is a relatively new concept and no predominant definition exists, it is described as an instant emotional and psychological connection between two individuals (Ceccoli, 2004; Swann, Sellers, & McClarty, 2006)
The five subscales account for 55.9% of the variance in friendship chemistry and are named: Reciprocal candor (α = .91), mutual interest (α = .87), personableness (α = .86), similarity (α = .74), and physical attraction (α = .91)
The factor of reciprocal candor contains items related to communication and self-disclosure; mutual interest pertains to having similar interests and humor; personableness reflects reciprocal liking and kindness/sincerity; similarity pertains to shared values and aspirations; and physical attraction contains items reflecting mutual attraction

Summary

Introduction

Interpersonal chemistry is a relatively new concept and no predominant definition exists, it is described as an instant emotional and psychological connection between two individuals (Ceccoli, 2004; Swann, Sellers, & McClarty, 2006). Researchers propose that friendship formation is a process that occurs relatively quickly. Berg and Clark (1986) speculate that during the initial moments of an interpersonal encounter, individuals are already making decisions about which relationship type--friend or acquaintance--to pursue. Berg (1984) demonstrates that students' satisfaction with their roommate after 2 weeks and 6 months of acquaintance is predictive of their choice to live with that roommate in the future. These findings suggest that the decision to pursue a friendship is relatively stable and may be predicted from the earliest phases of meeting

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