FRIENDSHIP QUALITY DURING PREADOLESCENCE AND ADOLESCENCE - THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF RELATIONSHIP ORIENTATIONS, INSTRUMENTALITY, AND EXPRESSIVITY

Relationship orientations, gender-related characteristics, and percept ions of friendship quality during preadolescence and adolescence were examined. In Study 1, 6th-, 8th-, and 10th-graders reported on their c ommunal and exchange relationship orientations, instrumentality and ex pressivity, and friendship quality. Study 2 included 5th- and 8th-grad ers. Sex differences in friendship quality emerged around 8th grade in that either girls expressed higher levels of friendships quality (Stu dy 1) or boys reported lower levels (Study 2). At the same time, expre ssivity in both studies made positive contributions to the prediction of friendship quality regardless of gender. The results also provide p reliminary evidence that relationship orientations may play a more imp ortant role for the friendship quality of boys compared to girls.