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Self-monitoring and former best friends: individual differences in friendship dissolution
Christopher Leone1, Michael J Yoho1
1University of North Florida.
The Journal of General Psychology
|July 6, 2022
Summary
Self-monitoring differences influence why friendships end. High self-monitors cite loss of shared interests, while low self-monitors cite changes in personal compatibility as key reasons for relationship dissolution.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Friendship dissolution reasons often mirror formation causes.
- Self-monitoring describes individual differences in social behavior regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore self-monitoring's role in best friendship dissolution.
- To determine if univariate or bivariate models best explain these differences.
Main Methods:
- Two studies investigated former best friendships.
- Participants completed the Self-Monitoring Scale and identified dissolution causes.
- Self-monitoring was analyzed in univariate and bivariate (acquisitive, protective) forms.
Main Results:
- Protective self-monitoring consistently predicted dissolution reasons.
- High self-monitoring associated with loss of shared interests.
- Low self-monitoring associated with loss of personal compatibility.
Conclusions:
- Bivariate (protective) self-monitoring offers a nuanced view of friendship dissolution.
- Findings highlight distinct reasons for dissolution based on self-monitoring styles.
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