Gender differences in adolescents' behavior during conflict resolution tasks with best friends

This study examined gender differences in adolescents' behavior during conf lict resolution tasks with their best friends. It also examined gender diff erences in adolescents' descriptions of those friendships. Thirty-nine adol escents were videotaped while discussing unresolved problems with their bes t friends. In addition, adolescents completed the Friendship Questionnaire (Furman & Adler, 1982). The results indicated that there were significant g ender differences. On the conflict resolution tasks, females were rated low er in withdrawal and higher in communication skills and support-validation than were males. On the Friendship Questionnaire, males rated their relatio nships with best friends higher in conflict than did females. Methodologica l considerations are discussed.