The Therapeutic Value of Friendship Between Women

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Abstract
This study examined whether a group of 42 university women perceived their best and slight same-sex friendships as therapeutic. Of those subjects, 29 had best friends who also participated in the study. Two paper and pencil instruments were completed by all participants and 10 of the best friend pairs were interviewed. Results of the study indicated that both best and slight same-sex friendships had therapeutic value for women, with best friendships seen as more therapeutic than slight friendships. Rank ordering of the therapeutic factors used as a basis for the study resulted in agreement among subjects on the relative importance of the factors in their best and slight friendships. Subjects and their best friends were also in agreement on the worth and rank orderings of these factors. Background for the study is provided by the literature review which included psychological perspectives on friendship, friendship's therapeutic importance, and sex differences in friendship. An additional perspective on female friendship is offered based on literature and observations outside psychology. Results are discussed in light of these somewhat contradictory perspectives.

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