MacInnis, Cara C.Buliga, Elena2018-09-172018-09-172018-09-11Buliga, E. (2018). Exploring cross-group relationships among students at a Canadian university: what factors promote lasting relationships and positive university experiences? (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/32919http://hdl.handle.net/1880/107743Cross-group friendships, defined as close and meaningful relationships among individuals belonging to different social groups (e.g., different nationality groups) are associated with positive outcomes but are more likely to dissolve relative to friendships between individuals belonging to same social group. The aims of this research project are to examine potential conditions under which cross-group relationships last and promote positive outcomes among students at a Canadian university. Based on previous literature, several qualities that may promote lasting cross-group friendships were examined: closeness (both subjective and inclusion of other in self), perceived similarity (both subjective and personality similarity), social network integration and salience of group membership. In Study 1 the extent to which these qualities existed in self-reported current and past cross-group friendships was explored in a sample of 325 students. The friendship qualities listed above were present to a greater extent in current than in past same- and cross-group friendships, although there were some differences based on cross-group friendship type. Thus, these qualities may contribute to cross-group friendships lasting versus dissolving. In Study 2 outcomes of cross-group relationships between international students and students at a Canadian university registered in a peer mentoring program were explored as well as the influence of friendship promoting qualities in these relationships. Although sample size was lower than anticipated for this study (mentee N = 16, mentor N = 29, control N = 30), some promising outcomes were observed. For new international student mentees, mentoring relationships promoted university engagement and for domestic student mentors mentoring relationships reduced intergroup anxiety. Friendship qualities were associated with more positive attitudes toward the partner. Findings from this research can inform efforts to promote the development of cross-group friendships.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Cross-group FriendshipsPeer MentoringPsychology--Socialmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/32919