This study examines the extent to which members of same‐ and cross‐sex friendships avoid topics related to relationship issues, negative life experiences, dating experiences, sexual experiences, and outside friendships. Four reasons for topic avoidance are also explored: self‐protection, relationship protection, partner unresponsiveness, and social appropriateness. Results from 177 undergraduate students, who referenced a friend of the same sex and a friend of the opposite sex, showed that individuals avoided discussing negative life experiences and relationship issues with males more than females and, when with opposite‐sex friends, avoided disclosures related to dating and sexual experiences more than when with same‐sex friends. Additionally, individuals avoided disclosure for a variety of reasons, but seem primarily motivated to avoid topics due to concerns for self‐protection. Results of this investigation shed light on the communicative implications underlying differences between same‐ and cross‐sex friendships.
Communication Quarterly
Volume 46, 1998 - Issue 3
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