Relational closeness: Comparing undergraduate college students' geographically close and long-distance friendships

Amy Janan Johnson, Michel M. Haigh, Elizabeth A. Craig, Jennifer A.H. Becker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

As interpersonal relationships change with the advent of new technology, researchers need to reexamine their theoretical constructs (R. G. Adams, 1998). This study uses survey methodology to examine college undergraduates from the United States. It explores the concept of relational closeness by comparing how geographically close and long-distance friends define closeness in their relationships. It assesses prior methods of defining and measuring closeness in interpersonal relationships for the impact of physical distance between the friends. Differences illustrate factors that are important in understanding relational closeness in general and in long-distance relationships in particular.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)631-646
Number of pages16
JournalPersonal Relationships
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2009

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Anthropology
  • Social Psychology
  • Life-span and Life-course Studies

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