Abstract
This chapter explores how the cultural framework of dialecticism can be applied in research on romantic relationships. Using cross-cultural data from dating and married individuals, the chapter first examines the predictions that East Asians, as compared to Westerners, are more ambivalent and realistic in their perceptions of their partners, perceive lower similarity with their partners, and are more motivated to adjust and change themselves in the relationship. It then discusses research on cross-cultural differences in emotional experience among couples and relationship cognitions (e.g., the concept of Yuan and focalism). In sum, it is suggested that cross-cultural differences in how individuals think, feel, and act in romantic relationship contexts can be understood through the theoretical perspective of dialecticism. However, more empirical studies are needed to explore the influence of dialectical thinking on relationship development and maintenance across cultural contexts.
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