Relational uncertainty and interaction enjoyment as predictors of relational maintenance

Abstract

This study explored predictors of relational maintenance behaviors within the context of friendships. Several theoretical frameworks were compared--equity theory, self-expansion theory, the relational turbulence model, and the interaction enjoyment approach. Participants included 371 young adults who completed online questionnaires concerning their perceptions of friendship maintenance behaviors with a close or casual friend. Results supported self-expansion theory, the relational turbulence model, and the interaction enjoyment approach as significant theoretical explanations of friendship maintenance behaviors. The central goal of this study was accomplished in that relational uncertainty and interaction enjoyment emerged as complementary, and even stronger, predictors of relational maintenance behaviors than the other theoretical explanations. Overall, interaction enjoyment was the strongest predictor of friendship maintenance. Conversely, the traditional equity approach received minimal support. The theoretical, methodological, and practical implications of these findings were discussed.