Author Date

2023-03-03

Degree Name

Department

Sociology

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Defense Date

2023-03-10

Publication Date

2023-04-12

First Faculty Advisor

Jonathan Jarvis

First Faculty Reader

Melissa Alcaraz

Honors Coordinator

Michael Cope

Keywords

Marriage, social networks, friendship, life stage, dyadic withdrawal, interdependence theory

Abstract

Marriage represents a significant life transition that brings with it changes in other relationships. One of the most notable changes is a tendency for married individuals to decrease their social networks following their marriage, a process known as dyadic withdrawal. This pattern has been repeatedly observed, but there is a lack of research into the reasons and mechanisms behind withdrawal. Using semi-structured qualitative interviews with nineteen recently married young adults, I examine the changes that took place in young adults’ friendships following their marriage, as well as the reasons individuals gave for these changes. Results support the dyadic withdrawal hypothesis and interdependence theory, finding that marriage changes individuals’ perceptions and priorities surrounding friendship. Overall, findings provide a detailed insight into the reasons behind interdependence and dyadic withdrawal and how individuals explain their changing social networks.