The function of friendship in the internal adaptation of college students was investigated. Undergraduates (n=315; 165 males and 150 females) were asked to imagine two kinds of friends, a high-interaction intimate friend (HI-friend) and a low-interaction intimate friend (LI-friend), and to respond to the Friendship Function scale, the Degree of Relationship Satisfaction scale, the Feeling of Fulfillment scale and the General Health Questionnaire-12. Results indicate the following. (1) Most undergraduates had both HI- and LI-friends. (2) In male students, the significance of HI-friendships to the "meaning of life," directly promoted a feeling of fulfillment, and the "prospect of continuing LI-friendships," indirectly promoted psychological health. (3) In female students, "affirmation and acceptance" by HI-friendships, directly promoted life satisfaction. Moreover, the "prospect of continuing the friendship," "advice, and self-disclosure" in LI-friendships indirectly promoted psychological health.
