Older Adult Friendship

by Adams, Rebecca G.; Blieszner, Rosemary

• ISBN13: 9780803931435
• ISBN10: 0803931433
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1989-03-01
• Publisher: Sage Pubns

Summary

This volume brings together the research and theory on friendship that has developed over the last two decades. Each chapter reviews, summarizes, integrates and elaborates on a specific aspect of the literature. The focus is on older adult friendship but the theoretical and methodological issues will be of interest to those who study social relationships at all stages of the life course. Together, the contributors communicate the importance of studying the interplay between structure and process in older adult friendship. Specific topics include societal and personal conditions affecting friendship opportunities and behaviour, types of friendships, the influence of early development on adult friendship, changes in friend relations over time, social support and social exchange and problems in older adult friendships.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Overview

Conceptual and Methodological Issues in Studying Friendships of Older Adults

Structural and Developmental Perspectives

Aging and the Structure of Friendship

Forms of Friendships Among Older People in an Industrial Society

Early-Life Development and Adult Friendship

Developmental Processes of Friendship

Social Process and Friendship

Friends as a Source of Social Support in Old Age

Exchange and Equity in Friendships

Strains in Older Adults' Friendships

Social Status and Friendship

Gender Differences in Adults' Same- and Cross-Gender Friendships

Social Ties and Friendship Patterns of Old Homeless Men

Epilogue

An Agenda for Future Research on Friendships of Older Adults

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