Abstract

Predictors of friendship satisfaction were examined using structural equation modeling(SEM) in early-, mid-, and late-adolescence. Friendship functions, conflict-resolution styles, and friendship network characteristics were included as predictors. McGill Friendship Questionnaires and friendship network questionnaire were completed by 142 middle-school, 124 high-school, and 148 university students. Friendship satisfaction was assessed by positive and negative feelings toward the best same-sex friend. In all age groups, the essential predictor for friendship satisfaction was friend's support. which was perceived high either as egalitarian conflict-resolution styles were used or with a large friendship network. Network size and egalitarian conflict-resolution indirectly, via friend's support, predicted positive feelings toward the best friend, while asymmetric conflict-resolution directly predicted negative feelings. There were more similarities than differences in SEM among three age groups. Differences were found in conflict-resolution styles predicting negative feelings and SEM of high school students compared to other groups.