Friendship quality: A factor analysis and effects on life satisfaction and the development of social competence in adolescence.

摘要

Friendship quality is a positive construct that potentially has positive outcomes in the areas of children's rated life satisfaction and social competence. The purpose of the present study was to explore the construct of friendship quality by assessing convergence across two measures, as well as its relationship to perceived life satisfaction and the development of social skills. Following a review of the literature related to friendship, life satisfaction, and social development, several statistical operations were performed, including several factor analyses, path models to assess the possible mediational role of life satisfaction in the relationship of friendship quality and social competence, as well as many correlational and other descriptive statistical procedures. Results found convergence amongst the two measures of friendship quality; however, a two-factor solution of support provisions and conflict summarized the factor structure of the measures combined. Support was also found for the mediational role of life satisfaction. The limitations and implications of these findings are discussed with regards to suggestions for future research, as well as recommendations for current practice for school psychologists.