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Sex differences in same- and cross-sex supportive relationships

Publication ,  Journal Article
Buhrke, RA; Fuqua, DR
Published in: Sex Roles
September 1, 1987

The current study focused on sex differences in same- and cross-sex supportive relationships. Subjects, 249 female and 103 male volunteers, completed a questionnaire designed to assess the nature and quality of supportive relationships. Four dimensions of relationships were examined: the relative frequency and patterning of interactions, closeness, diversity of interactions, and interpersonal perception. A 2×2 multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted with sex of subject as a randomized factor and sex of supporter as a repeated factor. Sixteen dependent variables measured the relationship dimensions. Results of the MANOVA suggested that there are differences between women and men in the qualities of their same- and cross-sex supportive relationships. In same-sex relationships, women have more contact when under stress; are closer; more satisfied with initiation, balance, and closeness; and perceive themselves as knowing the other and being known by the other more than do men. Women initiate more in cross-sex relationships, and want to give more than men do. Men describe cross-sex relationships as closer than women do. Both women and men want more frequent contact, closer relationships, and want to give more in cross-sex relationships than in same-sex ones. These and further results, and implications of the findings are discussed. © 1987 Plenum Publishing Corporation.

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Published In

Sex Roles

DOI

EISSN

1573-2762

ISSN

0360-0025

Publication Date

September 1, 1987

Volume

17

Issue

5-6

Start / End Page

339 / 352

Related Subject Headings

  • Social Psychology
  • 5205 Social and personality psychology
  • 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
  • 4405 Gender studies
  • 1701 Psychology
  • 1699 Other Studies in Human Society
  • 1117 Public Health and Health Services
 

Citation

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Buhrke, R. A., & Fuqua, D. R. (1987). Sex differences in same- and cross-sex supportive relationships. Sex Roles, 17(5–6), 339–352. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288457
Buhrke, R. A., and D. R. Fuqua. “Sex differences in same- and cross-sex supportive relationships.” Sex Roles 17, no. 5–6 (September 1, 1987): 339–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288457.
Buhrke RA, Fuqua DR. Sex differences in same- and cross-sex supportive relationships. Sex Roles. 1987 Sep 1;17(5–6):339–52.
Buhrke, R. A., and D. R. Fuqua. “Sex differences in same- and cross-sex supportive relationships.” Sex Roles, vol. 17, no. 5–6, Sept. 1987, pp. 339–52. Scopus, doi:10.1007/BF00288457.
Buhrke RA, Fuqua DR. Sex differences in same- and cross-sex supportive relationships. Sex Roles. 1987 Sep 1;17(5–6):339–352.
Journal cover image

Published In

Sex Roles

DOI

EISSN

1573-2762

ISSN

0360-0025

Publication Date

September 1, 1987

Volume

17

Issue

5-6

Start / End Page

339 / 352

Related Subject Headings

  • Social Psychology
  • 5205 Social and personality psychology
  • 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
  • 4405 Gender studies
  • 1701 Psychology
  • 1699 Other Studies in Human Society
  • 1117 Public Health and Health Services