Sex and Gender Similarities and Differences in Communication Values in Same-Sex and Cross-Sex Friendships

Abstract

This study extends research on sex differences and similarities in communication values by examining (a) the influence of sex of friend on ratings of functional communication skills in same-sex and cross-sex friendships, (b) the moderating role of friend's sex in sex differences in evaluations, and (c) the mediating role of psychological gender in sex differences in communication values. Participants (144 men and 148 women) rated the importance of communication skills for either same-sex or cross-sex friends. Results indicate that, although men's and women's ratings of communication skills are similar, participant sex, gender, and sex of friend do exert some influence.

Keywords:

• Individual Differences
• Relationship Maintenance
• Relationship Satisfaction
• Social Skills Approach

The author gratefully acknowledges Brant R. Burleson and Cristina Gilstrap for their contributions to the study.

Notes

Note. A .60/.40 decision rule was employed. Bolded numbers indicate that the individual skill was included on the corresponding second order factor.

A portion of this study was presented at the 2006 meeting of the National Communication Association in San Antonio, TX, and was awarded “Top Student Paper” by the Interpersonal Communication Division

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amanda J. Holmstrom

Amanda J. Holmstrom (PhD, Purdue University, 2008) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at Michigan State University.