THE PSYCHOLOGY OF FAVORS: AGE AND GENDER FACTORS IN EVERYDAY HELPING (ALTRUISM, FRIENDSHIP).
Item
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Title
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THE PSYCHOLOGY OF FAVORS: AGE AND GENDER FACTORS IN EVERYDAY HELPING (ALTRUISM, FRIENDSHIP).
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Identifier
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AAI8629753
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identifier
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8629753
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Creator
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WIENER, VALERIE LEWIS.
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Contributor
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Irwin Katz
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Date
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1986
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Psychology, Personality
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Abstract
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This study examined helping behavior in everyday situations by focusing on the psychology of favors. A life span developmental approach was employed to determine age and gender variations in the following aspects of favor transactions between friends: (a) motivational aspects of granting and denying favors; (b) consequences of performing or denying a favor on the relationship; (c) characteristics of favors, including type, time, resources and emotional costs; and, (d) the frequency with which favors are requested and granted. Data were obtained through a questionnaire designed specifically for the project. The sample consisted of 258 respondents, 86 males and 172 females in three age groups: young adults (18-22), middle-aged adults (35-50), and elder adults (65-84); all were enrolled in educational programs in suburban communities. Comparing the groups, many differences emerged on the various measures. Findings regarding age and gender differences in reciprocity and obligation as motives for performing favors have implications for understanding the norm of reciprocity. A discussion addresses developmental shifts in friendship patterns and the impact of cognitive factors (perspective-taking ability and egocentrism) on decisions to perform favors. Further research is required to understand gender differences in relation to the norm of reciprocity and the more positive attitudes of the elder group toward helping friends.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Psychology
