190 Friendship and Conflict
More research is needed on the social network, both as a cause of and an effect
on the ex- partner friendship. For example, researchers should examine the hetero-
geneity within the social network. Some of an ex- partner’s social network (e.g.,
family, friends) may support the friendship (or lack thereof ), others may oppose,
and still others may be indifferent. In addition, the theory of reasoned action/
planned behavior concept of subjective norms may be useful (Fishbein & Ajzen,
1975; 2010). The approach involves defining a subjective norm as a product of the
individual’s perceptions of referents’ (family members, friends) attitudes about the
ex- partner friendship and the individual’s motivation to comply with each referent
on the issue (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975, 2010).
Finally, more longitudinal research would greatly improve our understanding
of intrapersonal, dyadic, and social network factors. Most studies of friendship fol-
lowing breakup are cross- sectional, and many rely on retrospective self- reports. It
would be beneficial if researchers could follow a romantic couple from their intact
romance through the dissolution of the relationship, and continue to follow them
post- dissolution. This would provide an increased understanding of how these rela-
tionships progress and the complex interplay of factors that guide the postdissolu-
tion relationship.
Implications for Therapy
While we strongly support the need for more basic research, it is apparent that ex-
partner friendship research has applied implications. Therapy can help the indi-
vidual or the dyad cope with intrapersonal, dyadic, and social network obstacles
to developing a healthy ex- partner relationship. Seligson (1991) describes therapy
that helps ex- partners, who attend therapy together, explore the consequences of
their behaviors and the ex- partner’s reactions. Therapy can also help ex- partners
improve communication and develop coparenting skills that facilitate emotional
health for all family members (Leek, 1992). Likewise, Barris and Garrity (1997)
emphasize divorce planning that includes developing a low- conflict, cooperative
relationship between ex- partners to minimize hurt. In general, behavior therapy can
help individuals practice more positive, rewarding behaviors, and decrease negative
or punishing behaviors (e.g., R . L. Weiss, Hopps, & Patterson, 1973). In this con-
text, cognitive- behavioral therapy can help ex- partners change their ineffective per-
ceptions, beliefs, and attributions related to the ex- partner, become more forgiving,
and help to change destructive relationships with friends and family (e.g., Epstein &
Baucom, 2002).
Concluding Remarks
Research on ex- partner friendships has been multidisciplinary and has examined fac-
tors at the intrapersonal, dyadic, and social network levels of analysis. The research