Competition and Interpersonal Conflict in Same-Sex Platonic Friendships

This research explores the connection between competition and distributive and integrative conflict messages in same-sex platonic friendships. The study is a partial replication of Messman and Mikesell’s (2000) examination of competition and interpersonal conflict in dating relationships. The competitive behaviors of same-sex friends examined here are compared with those of dating couples as explored by Messman and Mikesell. Findings of the current research indicate that increased competition between same-sex friends is linked to a rise in distributive conflict tactics as well as to a reduction in integrative messages, which is consistent with Messman and Mikesell’s results. The current study also investigates the similarities and differences between men and women in their approach to competition while interacting with their same-sex platonic friends. In this study, significant differences between men’s and women’s competitive behaviors were found. This result contrasts with the findings of Messman and Mikesell, who concluded that no distinctions were apparent between males and females in romantic relationships in regard to their competitive interactions.