Question 91

Men's friendships tend to be centered on activities, while women's friendships center on conversation.

Research indicates that in North America, men's friendships are often activity-oriented, whereas women's friendships typically emphasize conversation and emotional sharing. This distinction highlights the different ways in which men and women tend to connect with their peers.

A) Men's friendships tend to be centered on activities, while women's friendships center on conversation.

This option is correct as it reflects established findings in social psychology regarding gender differences in friendship dynamics. Studies have shown that men often bond over shared activities such as sports or hobbies, while women tend to engage in more verbal communication and emotional support within their friendships.

B) In late adulthood, the importance of friendships for well-being decreases and the importance of family relationships for well-being increases for men and women.

This option is incorrect as research suggests that friendships remain important for well-being even in late adulthood. While family relationships do play a significant role, the assertion that friendships become less important is not consistently supported by evidence.

C) Single adults are less likely to have close friendships than married adults are.

This option is also incorrect. Research indicates that single adults can form strong friendships and may even cultivate more diverse social networks compared to married individuals, who might prioritize family connections over friendships.

D) Women are more competitive with female friends than men are with male friends.

This statement is misleading and lacks substantial support in the literature. While competition can exist in any gender's friendships, general research does not conclude that women are inherently more competitive with their friends compared to men.

E) After age seventy-five, men who maintain close friendships have a higher mortality rate than those who do not, but there is no difference related to friendships for women over seventy-five.

This option is incorrect as it misrepresents findings about social connections and longevity. Studies typically indicate that strong social ties, including friendships, can contribute positively to health outcomes for both men and women, rather than suggesting that men have a higher mortality rate due to friendships.

Conclusion

In summary, option A accurately reflects the research on adult friendships in North America, emphasizing the activity-based nature of male friendships compared to the conversation-focused nature of female friendships. The other options either misrepresent existing research or lack sufficient empirical support, reinforcing why option A is the definitive answer to the question.