Friendship at University 1
(Appendices has been removed)
A qualitative investigation into what factors are important to University friendships
Module: Research methods A
Word count: 1500 words
,Friendship at University 2
Abstract
University friendships are an integral source of support, where an emphasis is placed
on closeness and friendship freedom. The aim of this study was to investigate if University
students still shared that view that closeness and openness were still important factors to
friendship in the midst of a pandemic, via a thematic analysis of semi- structured online
interviews through an opportunity sampling method of two participants. Analysis suggested
that geographical location in terms of closeness and individuals’ relative openness but
additionally a supportive personality were still seen as being integral to University
friendships but there were also lesser aspects which participants felt were still important to
friendship. It was also found that individuals moved away from wanting superficial
friendships to wanting an in-depth understanding of each other. Findings were discussed in
relation to if closeness and openness were still considered important factors to friendships
during a pandemic (Covid-19).
Key words: University, Friendship, Interviews, Thematic analysis, Students.
, Friendship at University 3
What factors are important in University friendships ?
Brooks (2007) and Boute (2007), both assoicated university friendships with
closeness and openness respectively, establishing a link between them.
Research by Dollinger et al (1996) suggested, openness may play a part in initial
interactions before friendship formation occurs as openness seemed to allow a common
ground to be established. Similarly, Park & Anotoini (2007) suggested, a higher degree of
openness may imply that individuals want to resolve friendship conflict. Regarding closeness
Fuhrman et al (2009) found, in friendship (and romantic relations), individuals seek
emotional closeness and social companionship.
This investigation was warranted as Kenny (1987) cited in Boute (2007) stated, the
transition from high school to university can be disruptive especially for those who move
away from home as they are thrown into a novel environment, suggesting friendships become
more valuable as friends become a primary source of support (Tokuno, 1986). None of these
studies account for the effects of a pandemic. Covid-19 added to the pre-existing disruption
of progressing to university. Hence this study was essential to investigate if closeness and
openness were still apparent features in what indivudals considered to be important in
university friendships in the midst of a pandemic.
In essence, closeness and openness are established feats in what individuals desired as
being important to university friendships, as displayed by the sources above but once again
previous research failed to account for the effects of a pandemic on what individuals regarded
as important to friendship. Hence this research addressed this concern as interviews were
perform while the pandemic was heading into another peaking phase and participant were of
the age, where they were aware and living through the effects of the pandemic.
(Appendices has been removed)
A qualitative investigation into what factors are important to University friendships
Module: Research methods A
Word count: 1500 words
,Friendship at University 2
Abstract
University friendships are an integral source of support, where an emphasis is placed
on closeness and friendship freedom. The aim of this study was to investigate if University
students still shared that view that closeness and openness were still important factors to
friendship in the midst of a pandemic, via a thematic analysis of semi- structured online
interviews through an opportunity sampling method of two participants. Analysis suggested
that geographical location in terms of closeness and individuals’ relative openness but
additionally a supportive personality were still seen as being integral to University
friendships but there were also lesser aspects which participants felt were still important to
friendship. It was also found that individuals moved away from wanting superficial
friendships to wanting an in-depth understanding of each other. Findings were discussed in
relation to if closeness and openness were still considered important factors to friendships
during a pandemic (Covid-19).
Key words: University, Friendship, Interviews, Thematic analysis, Students.
, Friendship at University 3
What factors are important in University friendships ?
Brooks (2007) and Boute (2007), both assoicated university friendships with
closeness and openness respectively, establishing a link between them.
Research by Dollinger et al (1996) suggested, openness may play a part in initial
interactions before friendship formation occurs as openness seemed to allow a common
ground to be established. Similarly, Park & Anotoini (2007) suggested, a higher degree of
openness may imply that individuals want to resolve friendship conflict. Regarding closeness
Fuhrman et al (2009) found, in friendship (and romantic relations), individuals seek
emotional closeness and social companionship.
This investigation was warranted as Kenny (1987) cited in Boute (2007) stated, the
transition from high school to university can be disruptive especially for those who move
away from home as they are thrown into a novel environment, suggesting friendships become
more valuable as friends become a primary source of support (Tokuno, 1986). None of these
studies account for the effects of a pandemic. Covid-19 added to the pre-existing disruption
of progressing to university. Hence this study was essential to investigate if closeness and
openness were still apparent features in what indivudals considered to be important in
university friendships in the midst of a pandemic.
In essence, closeness and openness are established feats in what individuals desired as
being important to university friendships, as displayed by the sources above but once again
previous research failed to account for the effects of a pandemic on what individuals regarded
as important to friendship. Hence this research addressed this concern as interviews were
perform while the pandemic was heading into another peaking phase and participant were of
the age, where they were aware and living through the effects of the pandemic.
