Open AccessIntimacy in the Confidant Role in Closest Friendships of Nonconfined Aged Males
Author(s) -
Peter O. Peretti,
Beverly Lowrey
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
psychology and human development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2537-950X
DOI - 10.2224/sbp.6316
Subject(s) - friendship , belongingness , psychology , social psychology , social relationship , social contact , developmental psychology
It has been suggested that elderly individuals need intimate social contact to enhance their well-being. Closest friendships can be the greatest source of social contact within the confidant role of the friendship unit. In this study, we aimed to determine self-perceived intimacy criteria in the confidant role in closest friendships of nonconfined aged males. For this purpose, we examined the most frequently perceived intimacy criteria with reference to the males' particular structural friendship units. Results showed that the most frequently self-perceived criteria were communication, personal concern, belongingness, commitment, and self-worth.