BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL OF COMMUNICATION: INVESTIGATING METACOMMUNICATION IN FRIENDSHIPS

Abstract

Metacommunication—or communication between interactants about their relationship orperceptions of each other—is a promising yet understudied form of interaction between close friends. This research study investigates the relational goals influencing the use of metacommunication and the forms of metacommunication that exist in young adult close friend dyads. A bi-phasal qualitative methodology was used, resulting in 15 dyad conversations and 30 individual interviews. Data analysis revealed three primary relational goals, including cultivating growth, developing a friendship identity, and coordinating perception. Five forms of metacommunication were found, including affirmation, time interaction boundaries, conflict talk, views of the friendship, and time talk. Metacommunication was found to be a complicated form of communication used as a relational maintenance tool motivated by multiple and potentially contradicting goals. This study emphasizes the necessity of reengaging research about friendship relational maintenance.