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A Dyadic Analysis of Power and Friendship Functioning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 April 2015

Kathryn N. Stump ,
Jacklyn Biggs  and
Patricia H. Hawley
Kathryn N. Stump*
Affiliation:
Innovation Research & Training, Durham, North Carolina, USA
Jacklyn Biggs
Affiliation:
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
Patricia H. Hawley
Affiliation:
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
*
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE: Kathryn N. Stump, Innovation Research & Training, 1415 W NC Highway 54, Suite 121, Durham NC 27707, USA. Email: kstump@irtinc.us
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Abstract

This study explored how perceptions of resource control levels are related to perceptions of friendship functioning in late adolescent friendship dyads (92 female dyads, 43 male dyads; mean age = 19.59 years). Resource control, relationship influence, and positive and negative friendship features were determined using self- and friend-reports. Contrary to expectations, a latent actor-partner interdependence model (Olsen & Kenny, 2006) revealed uniformly positive effects of perceived resource control on friendship functioning. Perceived resource control was positively associated with positive friendship features and unrelated to negative friendship features for both friends. Results highlight the importance of studying friendship within the context of power and considering relationships and power as complementary rather than opposing elements of the social system.

Keywords

friendshippowerdyadic datalate adolescence
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Relationships Research , Volume 6 , 2015 , e5
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2015 

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