A recent study led by Robert Taylor, professor of social work at the University of Michigan, has revealed the importance of supportive friendship networks for African Americans, particularly among unmarried adults.
Dr. Taylor and his co-authors examined data on over 3,500 African American adults who participated in the National Survey of American Life from 2001 to 2003. The survey included information regarding participants’ demographics, martial status, and life circumstances of friendships. The researchers then measured four key elements of friendship: subjective closeness, frequency of contact, support provided to friends, and support received from friends.
Overall, about 45 percent of respondents stated they were close to their friends, with roughly 71 percent reporting they interact with their friends at least once a week. However, when the authors examined specific demographic and socioeconomic groups, several different associations emerged.
Respondents who were separated, divorced, widowed, or never-married interacted with friends more frequently than married ones, suggesting friends are a critical component of support for single Black adults. Women and individuals with higher levels of education reported stronger levels of closeness to their friends, while parents and individuals experiencing material hardship felt less close.
The authors also found an association between closeness and frequency of contact. If a respondent stated they felt close to their friends, they were more likely to frequently be in contact with them. Furthermore, respondents who reported closeness and frequent contact were more likely to participate in support exchanges.
Additionally, older respondents were less likely to have frequent contact with their friends compared to younger respondents. Despite this finding, there was no age difference in receiving support from friends, suggesting friendship support remains consistent throughout the life span.
Dr. Taylor is the Harold R. Johnson Endowed Professor of Social Work, the Sheila Feld Collegiate Professor of Social Work, and director of the program for research on Black Americans at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. He has published several books, including Religion in the Lives of African Americans: Social Psychological and Health Perspectives (SAGE Publications, 2003).
