The Role of Perceived Hostile and Non-Hostile Criticism in Friendships

Abstract

General criticism is associated with poorer relationship functioning; however, few studies of specifically non-hostile and hostile criticism in relationships have yet been conducted. The present study examined the associations of hostile and non-hostile criticism with perceived support, perceived conflict, and support seeking intentions in platonic (non-romantic, non-familial) relationships. Perceptions of hostile criticism were related to greater conflict, lower support, and lower support seeking. Perceptions of non-hostile criticism were associated with greater support and support seeking; however, perceptions of non-hostile criticism were more strongly linked with greater support seeking in men than in women.