Changes in Friendship Commitment: Comparing Geographically Close and Long-Distance Young-Adult Friendships |
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| Authors: | Amy Janan Johnson Jennifer A H Becker Elizabeth A Craig Eileen S Gilchrist Michel M Haigh |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Communication , University of Oklahoma , amyjj@ou.edu;3. Communication and Journalism Department , University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire ,;4. Department of Communication , North Carolina State University ,;5. Department of Communication , University of Wyoming ,;6. College of Communications , Pennsylvania State University , |
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| Abstract: | The existence of long-distance (LD) friendships throws into question assumptions that scholars of interpersonal communication often make about commitment to relationships, the development of relationships, and friendships. An analysis of turning points comparing commitment changes in young-adult geographically close and LD same-sex friendships revealed high and fluctuating levels of commitment over the history of the friendships for both types. Over 80% of those having LD friends reported their levels of commitment were currently increasing, rather than decreasing. Women were more likely than men to report nonlinear trajectories for their friendships, more downturns in commitment to their friendships, and more turning points related to changes in commitment to their friendships. |
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| Keywords: | Friendship Long-Distance Relationships Relational Commitment |
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