Groups for the Development of Friendship

Abstract

Qualitatively summarizing a longer piece of research also based on quantitative methods, the author analyzes small group, videotaped discussions of friendship in which graduate and undergraduate students participated. Through these sessions the therapeutic and educational values of discussion groups on "closest friendship" are evaluated. In these groups the peak experience coincided with the discussion of the possibility for true friendships between men and women. To illustrate the verbal and nonverbal content of this phase, a section of the transcripts is recorded. The potential and limitations of groups for the development offriendship are elaborated in terms of the functions and the constraints placed on them in particular sociocultural contexts.

Helping and change without traditional therapy: Commonalities and opportunities

“…Most people at some point in their life have experienced the helping aspects of friendship. A steady supporting system (friends, family, partner) may lessen the need for professional help (for more on the therapeutic value of friendship see Berzoff, 1989;Gurdin, 1988;and Mitchel, 1966). The characterization of the therapeutic relationship as purchased friendship (Schofield, 1964) may sound exaggerated, but it is also indicative of the value of the latter.…”