Interpersona: An International Journal on Personal Relationships (Dec 2010)
Amizade e focos de atividade na universidade
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate foci of activity which were perceived by students of public and private universities in Vitoria metropolitan area as relevant to the establishment and maintenance of their friendships. Participants were 32 college students aged 17 to 21 years, 16 from a public university (UPU) and 16 students from a private university (UPA). The following topics were investigated: (a) friends network, (b) the origin of friends, (c) friendship and neighborhood (d) general activities; (e) specific activities; (f) communication and conversation; (g) university, friendship and dating; (h) university life and old friends; (i) the influence of university on friendships. From a descriptive base, data showed friendship as a relationship involving a wide range of interactions, keeping dialectical relationship with these interactions and social groups. The friendships still relate dialectically with the physical environment, including the physical structure of the university, and the socio-cultural, including rules, schedules and activity plans of the university and local traditions.