Research Topic: Friendship

Using behavioral data gleaned from social media, researchers find that people are more like their friends and partners than previously thought.

Using behavioral data gleaned from social media, researchers find that people are more like their friends and partners than previously thought.

Research suggests that people with low self-control prefer and depend on people with high self-control, possibly as a way to make up for the skills they themselves lack.

Research suggests that people with low self-control prefer and depend on people with high self-control, possibly as a way to make up for the skills they themselves lack.

We love to tell friends and family about experiences we’ve had and they haven’t—from exotic vacations to celebrity sightings—but new research suggests that these stories don’t thrill them quite as much as we imagine.

We love to tell friends and family about experiences we’ve had and they haven’t—from exotic vacations to celebrity sightings—but new research suggests that these stories don’t thrill them quite as much as we imagine.

Romantic partners walking down the aisle may dream of long and healthy lives together, but close friends in the wedding party may have a better sense of whether those wishes will come true.

Romantic partners walking down the aisle may dream of long and healthy lives together, but close friends in the wedding party may have a better sense of whether those wishes will come true.

A group of psychological scientists led by Jessica Methot of Rutgers University took a closer look at the benefits — as well as the potential tradeoffs — of friends at work.

A group of psychological scientists led by Jessica Methot of Rutgers University took a closer look at the benefits — as well as the potential tradeoffs — of friends at work.

Teens are often warned about peer pressure, but research suggests that following the pack in adolescence may have some unexpected benefits for physical health in early adulthood.

Teens are often warned about peer pressure, but research suggests that following the pack in adolescence may have some unexpected benefits for physical health in early adulthood.

Researchers examine links between participants’ Big Five personality traits, their personality state when interacting with friends, and the quality and quantity of their interactions with friends.

Researchers examine links between participants’ Big Five personality traits, their personality state when interacting with friends, and the quality and quantity of their interactions with friends.

Some people like to have a few close friends, while others prefer a wider social circle that is perhaps less deep. Research suggests that the optimal approach may depend on socioeconomic conditions.

Some people like to have a few close friends, while others prefer a wider social circle that is perhaps less deep. Research suggests that the optimal approach may depend on socioeconomic conditions.

Some people know their friends' triggers well; others have almost no idea what set their friends off. Research suggests that this difference has a noticeable impact on the relationship.

Some people know their friends' triggers well; others have almost no idea what set their friends off. Research suggests that this difference has a noticeable impact on the relationship.

Friends influence one another’s linguistic styles over time, contributing to the relational "echo chambers” common on social media and in society as a whole.

Friends influence one another’s linguistic styles over time, contributing to the relational "echo chambers” common on social media and in society as a whole.

Have you ever felt a special “spark” with someone—an intense bond with a potential partner, friend, or colleague? When individuals experience chemistry, they experience their interaction as something more than the sum of their separate contributions.

Have you ever felt a special “spark” with someone—an intense bond with a potential partner, friend, or colleague? When individuals experience chemistry, they experience their interaction as something more than the sum of their separate contributions.