Dykstra P
Tijdschr Gerontol Geriatr. 1987 Jun;18(3):173-8.
The present study examined whether the specific functions that are generally ascribed to friends, are also fulfilled by other types of close relationships. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 46 men and women between the ages of 65 and 75, and living in their own homes. The majority of the romantic partners, sons (in-law), daughters (in-law), other relatives and neighbours were considered to be 'like friends'. Clear differences were found between the people who were friends or who were like friends, on the one hand, and the people who were not considered as such, on the other hand. People who were friends or like friends, shared more intimate feelings, and provided more self-esteem support and instrumental help. The findings indicate that relationships that have their origins in the family-network or in the neighbourhood, can play the role of friends. Older men and women should be encouraged to intensify these relationships.
本研究探讨了通常归因于朋友的特定功能是否也由其他类型的亲密关系来实现。对46名年龄在65岁至75岁之间、居住在自己家中的男性和女性进行了半结构化访谈。大多数浪漫伴侣、女婿、儿媳、其他亲属和邻居都被认为“像朋友”。一方面，是朋友或像朋友的人与另一方面不被如此认为的人之间存在明显差异。是朋友或像朋友的人分享了更多亲密感受，并提供了更多自尊支持和实际帮助。研究结果表明，起源于家庭网络或邻里关系的关系可以起到朋友的作用。应该鼓励老年男性和女性加强这些关系。
