Abstract
This solution-focused research explores relational resiliency in intimate friendships, responding to reported increases in U.S. social and emotional isolation. Ten participants were recruited from a 16-year social network, the People’s Republic of East Davis (PRED), through a convenience sampling method. Stories around participants’ navigation of relational dilemmas were solicited in face-to-face interviews. Stories were analyzed using content and narrative analysis methodologies. Content analysis substantiated Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) factors, mutual empathy and mutual empowerment, as a basis of participants' relational resilience. Narrative analysis discovered a third factor, appreciation of common humanity, which was explored using the Theory of Intersubjective Motivation. Finally, implications of this research for social work practice and policy, specifically toward increasing voluntary socialization for individual and political well-being, were discussed.