Friendship and Happiness: A Bidirectional Dynamic Process

Abstract

Friendships are believed to contribute to the well-being of individuals. A recurrent finding from empirical research is evidence of the significant association between friendship and happiness. Indeed, evidence from a myriad of studies indicate that having friends and close peer experiences are important predictors of happiness (Demir, Özen, Dogan, Bilyk, & Tyrell, 2011; Demir & Weitekamp 2007; Peterson, 2006). Likewise, other studies that have examined the relation between these two variables have shown that happy individuals tend to have stronger and more intimate social relationships (Diener & Seligman, 2002). In an effort to understand the dynamics of the association between friendship and happiness, several researchers have developed models that use both personal characteristics and social experiences as contributing mechanisms. This association can be understood from a philosophical and a psychological perspective. Using several theoretical models and evidence from empirical studies, we conceptualize the association between happiness and friendship as a dynamic process. The chapter will begin with several philosophical considerations regarding the Aristotelian perspective on happiness and well-being. Following this, the concept of friendship and its relation to well-being will be examined. Next, models and theories explaining happiness will be discussed both from philosophical and psychological perspectives. Finally, evidence from different studies relating friendship and happiness will be discussed in order to analyze the dynamic processes inherent in this association.