The Effects of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication on Relationship Satisfaction in Thaigerman Couples

Abstract

This study aims to explore the ways in which Thai-German couples perceive their mutual verbal and nonverbal communication as causing them dissatisfaction in their daily lives. Furthermore, it investigates the extent to which the partners’ mutual communication satisfaction is correlated to the general satisfaction with their relationship. A mixed-methods approach was used for data collection. The data were collected from 544 questionnaire respondents and 11 interviewees. Data analysis employed statistical analyses for quantitative data (2 sets of questionnaires), and text analysis for the individual indepth interview. The survey results indicated a strong positive correlation between communication satisfaction and relationship satisfaction: r (531) = +.62, p < .001, while the interviews narrowed down the specific communicational problems for the Thai-German couples. These included linguistic skills, accent, pronunciation, grammar, different styles of communicating (direct vs. indirect communication), and differences in emotional expressiveness. Meaningful contrasts were found in the use of humor, eye contact, smiling, intimate touch and personal space. Patterns of conflict management were described, as well as the phenomena of double cultural identity and third language building, which were present in successful relationships.