Previous studies have delved into the characteristics of social relationships at different points across the life span. Some research has focused on young adulthood (Lansford, Yu, Pettit, Bates, & Dodge, 2014) while others focused on middle-aged adults (Carmichael, Reis, & Duberstein, 2015), while others focused on older adults (Wrosch, Rueggeberg, & Hoppmann, 2013). The different studies that will be reviewed use socio-emotional selectivity theory (Carstenen, 1995) as a framework for examining social relationships in adults. These studies hypothesize that for young adults superficial characteristics of friendships and quantity of friendships over the quality of friendships are the prime forces underlying social relationships
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For example, because of the focus on career development and family, middle adults, middle adults may have fewer social interactions with their peers and a stronger connection with relational partners (Wrzus, Hänel, Wagner, & Neyer, 2013). Unable to experience as many social interactions as in early adulthood, it is suggested that middle adults cope with a misconception that the work environment could be the place for meaningful and deep social interactions (Gouldner and Strong 1987). Nevertheless, in the workplace, individuals have to be careful of what they say and what they do because the work setting is still a professional setting where relationships are defined by manager- subordinate roles and an environment defined by competition, both of which can be a barrier to the development of high-quality friendships (Gouldner and Strong 1987). Thus, in middle adulthood, quality of friendship is more important than quantity (Carstensen, …show more content…
However, some variation and possible novelty surface in this period of the lifespan. According to (Clark, Ouellette, Powell, & Milberg, 1987), in late adulthood, social interactions are more about the welfare of friends supported by deep emotional ties and high-quality friendships (Field, 1999). In his research, Field (1999) reported that adults in late adulthood have deeper and more meaningful relationships than young adults because health issues emerge, leading to a sense of vulnerability and mortality. In addition, because older adults are released from family commitment, workforce responsibility, and past personal obligations, there is more time to focus on friendships (Field,
For example, because of the focus on career development and family, middle adults, middle adults may have fewer social interactions with their peers and a stronger connection with relational partners (Wrzus, Hänel, Wagner, & Neyer, 2013). Unable to experience as many social interactions as in early adulthood, it is suggested that middle adults cope with a misconception that the work environment could be the place for meaningful and deep social interactions (Gouldner and Strong 1987). Nevertheless, in the workplace, individuals have to be careful of what they say and what they do because the work setting is still a professional setting where relationships are defined by manager- subordinate roles and an environment defined by competition, both of which can be a barrier to the development of high-quality friendships (Gouldner and Strong 1987). Thus, in middle adulthood, quality of friendship is more important than quantity (Carstensen, …show more content…
However, some variation and possible novelty surface in this period of the lifespan. According to (Clark, Ouellette, Powell, & Milberg, 1987), in late adulthood, social interactions are more about the welfare of friends supported by deep emotional ties and high-quality friendships (Field, 1999). In his research, Field (1999) reported that adults in late adulthood have deeper and more meaningful relationships than young adults because health issues emerge, leading to a sense of vulnerability and mortality. In addition, because older adults are released from family commitment, workforce responsibility, and past personal obligations, there is more time to focus on friendships (Field,