The negative consequences of maximizing in friendship selection
David B Newman1, Joanna Schug2, Masaki Yuki3
1Department of Psychology, University of Southern California.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|February 28, 2017
Summary
Maximizing, the drive to find the best, harms well-being when choosing friends. This tendency increases regret and decreases life satisfaction, especially with more friendship options.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Decision Making
Background:
- Maximizing orientation, a motivation to select the best option, is linked to negative psychological outcomes.
- Previous research has not extensively explored maximizing in the context of friendship selection or the moderating role of choice options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between maximizing orientation and well-being in friendship selection.
- To examine how the number of available friendship options moderates these effects.
Main Methods:
- Developed and utilized a "maximizing in selecting friends" scale.
- Conducted 5 studies involving scale creation, naturalistic observation (fraternity/sorority recruitment), daily diary methods, and cross-cultural samples (U.S. and Japan).
- Assessed life satisfaction, affect (positive and negative), self-esteem, regret, and satisfaction with selection.
Main Results:
- Maximizing in friend selection negatively correlated with life satisfaction, positive affect, and self-esteem.
- Maximizing positively correlated with negative affect and regret, with regret mediating the relationship with well-being.
- In situations with more choices (e.g., high relational mobility), maximizing further diminished well-being.
Conclusions:
- The tendency to maximize when selecting friends paradoxically leads to detrimental effects on psychological well-being.
- Increased opportunities for choice in friendships exacerbate the negative impact of maximizing.
- Findings highlight the potential downsides of seeking the "best" in social relationships.
Related Concept Videos
02:12Relationship Formation
46.3K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
46.3K
02:06Social Exchange Theory
40.8K
We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
40.8K
01:26Social Exchange Theory
615
As formulated by John Thibaut and Harold Kelley, Social Exchange Theory explains human relationships as economic-like exchanges that maximize rewards and minimize costs. This theory suggests that individuals engage in relationships to gain benefits and reduce burdens, similar to economic transactions. It has been widely applied to various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and social interactions.Rewards and Costs in RelationshipsRelationship rewards include emotional...
615
01:20Friendships and Close Friendships
259
Friendship formation is a dynamic process shaped by psychological, cultural, and social factors. Friendships play a crucial role in emotional well-being, social development, and personal identity from childhood to adulthood.Childhood and Early FriendshipsFriendships in childhood often arise due to shared environments, such as school or neighborhood interactions. At this stage, proximity and common interests serve as the primary basis for connection. As children grow, their friendships evolve...
259
01:27Relationship Growth
268
Interpersonal relationships progress through stages, beginning with awareness and moving toward mutuality, where emotional connections deepen. While many relationships remain at moderate levels of mutuality, deeper connections form through self-disclosure, trust, and interdependence.Self-DisclosureSelf-disclosure involves revealing personal information, starting with surface-level details and gradually progressing to more intimate content. As trust grows, individuals feel more comfortable...
268
01:21Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
305
Physical attractiveness plays a crucial role in shaping interpersonal attraction, influencing first impressions, social interactions, and long-term relationship dynamics. Psychological research consistently demonstrates that attractiveness affects social evaluations and behavioral outcomes in various contexts.Influence on Social InteractionsResearch has shown that individuals perceived as physically attractive often experience preferential treatment in social and professional settings. One...
305