Which of the following is a common problem that can plague cross-gender friendships in social psychology?

• A. Sexual tension between friends
• B. Competition for academic achievement
• C. Lack of shared interests
• D. Difficulty in communicating due to language barriers

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of cross-gender friendships in social psychology, which refers to friendships between individuals of different genders.
2. Step 2: Consider common challenges that might arise in these friendships, such as differences in communication styles, societal expectations, or emotional dynamics.
3. Step 3: Evaluate each option given: 'Sexual tension between friends', 'Competition for academic achievement', 'Lack of shared interests', and 'Difficulty in communicating due to language barriers' to see which is most relevant to cross-gender friendships specifically.
4. Step 4: Recognize that while competition, lack of shared interests, and language barriers can affect any friendship, sexual tension is a unique and common issue that specifically affects cross-gender friendships due to potential romantic or sexual feelings.
5. Step 5: Conclude that 'Sexual tension between friends' is the common problem that can plague cross-gender friendships in social psychology.