Developmental changes in friendship‐related communication skills

Abstract

Males and females in grades 2 through 8 and in age levels 15–18, 25–35, 40–50, and 55–65 were interviewed (N=330; 30 at each grade and age level) and asked how they would respond to each of a series of statements describing a personal problem purportedly from a friend. Children and adults rarely communicated an empathic understanding and tended to respond by giving suggestions and authoritative assessments of the situation. There were developmental trends in the directions of asking more questions and requesting additional information before giving advice, giving fewer inappropriate responses, and more often offering evaluations of plans and ideas. The Loevinger‐McPhail model of ego development received support in that trends were evidenced to propose solutions placing more emphasis upon thinking the problem through on one's own and less upon conformity and “trying harder.”; However, at all ages there were proposals of inappropriate and impulsive solutions. The findings indicate a number of skills in communication which might be enhanced through training programs.