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Stability and Commitment in Friendships

  • Chapter
Handbook of Interpersonal Commitment and Relationship Stability

Part of the book series: Perspectives on Individual Differences ((PIDF))

Abstract

“Everywhere and in all ages people have formed this very same tie with each other—this tie that is not based on the binding forces of kinship, marriage, or romance” (Brenton, 1974, p. 14). The tie to which Brenton refers is friendship. Friendship has been described as the most voluntary relationship (e.g., Brenton, 1974; Rose, 1984; Wiseman, 1986). Unlike husbands and wives, friends are not under societal or contractual obligations to one another. Nor do friends encounter the social pressures inherent in dating and familial relationships. Friendships also differ from work or team relationships, where a common task or goal ensures the continuation of the relationship. Yet many friendships endure. According to (Wiseman (1986)), “A major and unique aspect of friendship is the absence of formal bonds during maintenance of an intimate stable relationship” (p. 191).

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2E9, Canada

    Beverley Fehr

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  1. High Point University, High Point, North Carolina, USA

    Jeffrey M. Adams

  2. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

    Warren H. Jones

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Fehr, B. (1999). Stability and Commitment in Friendships. In: Adams, J.M., Jones, W.H. (eds) Handbook of Interpersonal Commitment and Relationship Stability. Perspectives on Individual Differences. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4773-0_15

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