Do Interaction & Openness in Friendship Matter among Working Women in Malaysia? Comparing Between Married and Single Women

Nur Salimah Alias, Ameer Fuhaili Mohamad Hashim, Muhammad Fandy Fauzi, Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim

Abstract


The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of interaction and openness in friendships among working women in Malaysia. Specifically, it aims to identify differences between single and married working women in their engagement with interaction and openness behaviors in maintaining friendships, as well as their levels of friendship satisfaction. This quantitative study employed a questionnaire survey involving 500 female respondents working in public universities across Malaysia. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The findings revealed that single working women exhibited higher levels of interaction and openness behaviors in friendships compared to their married counterparts. They also reported greater friendship satisfaction. Additionally, the study found a positive relationship between interaction and openness and friendship satisfaction. Overall, the results indicate that marital status influences the way working women engage in maintaining friendships and the satisfaction they derive from them. Furthermore, the study highlights that interaction and openness are significant predictors of friendship satisfaction, regardless of marital status. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature on women’s friendships and emphasize the importance of fostering interaction and communication to enhance friendship quality. The study also advocates for a more inclusive and supportive social approach toward single and married women in the context of community and social development in Malaysia.

 

Keywords: Interaction, openness, friendship satisfaction, maintenance, single and married, women.

 

https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2025-4103-30


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