Abstract

Predictors of friendship satisfaction were examined in early- , mid- , and late-adolescence, along with developmental changes and sex differences in friendship characteristics. The McGill Friendship Questionnaires were completed by 142 middle-school, 124 high-school, and 148 university students. Friendship satisfaction was measured by positive and negative feelings toward the best same-sex friend. In ail age groups, 'trust' was the most significant predictor for friendship satisfaction, and egalitarian conflict resolution increased across three age groups. Significant predictors of friendship satisfaction were different among three age groups; for middle school students socio-emotional support and 'dominating' conflict resolution, for high school students emotional support and 'giving in' at conflict, and for university students instrumental support and egalitarian conflict resolution predicted friendship satisfaction. In terms of sex differences, female students reported higher friendship supports than did male students, while male students tended to use 'dominating' way of conflict resolution than did females.