A Latent Class Analysis of Friendship Network Types and Their Predictors in the Second Half of Life

作者：Miche Martina^*; Huxhold Oliver; Stevens Nan L

来源：Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences , 2013, 68(4): 644-652.

DOI：10.1093/geronb/gbt041

• Ageing
• Friendship
• Friendship style
• Latent class analysis
• Network Types

Friendships contribute uniquely to well-being in (late) adulthood. However, studies on friendship often ignore interindividual differences in friendship patterns. The aim of this study was to investigate such differences including their predictors. %26lt;br%26gt;The study builds on Matthewss qualitative model of friendship styles. Matthews distinguished 3 approaches to friendship differing by number of friends, duration of friendships, and emotional closeness. We used latent class analysis to identify friendship network types in a sample of middle-aged and older adults aged 4085 years (N 1,876). Data came from the German Aging Survey (DEAS). %26lt;br%26gt;Our analysis revealed 4 distinct friendship network types that were in high congruence with Matthewss typology. We identified these as a discerning style, which focuses on few close relationships, an independent style, which refrains from close engagements, and 2 acquisitive styles that both acquire new friends across their whole life course but differ regarding the emotional closeness of their friendships. Socioeconomic status, gender, health, and network-disturbing and network-sustaining variables predicted affiliations with network types. %26lt;br%26gt;We argue that future studies should consider a holistic view of friendships in order to better understand the association between friendships and well-being in the second half of life.

• 出版日期2013-7