A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Expectations in Romantic Relationships

• In Event: Short Intercultural Presentations (SIPs)

Abstract

This manuscript investigates the content and predictors of expectations in a cross-cultural comparison of India and the United States. The argument put forth in expectancy violation theory—that expectancies are universal phenomena, whose content is influenced by communicator, relational, and contextual factors—is examined. The paper details three studies in which items regarding expectations of romantic partners are developed, pre-tested, and measured in conjunction with relational models, horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism, and gender roles. Results indicate that expectancies have commonalities across the two cultures, yet different importance is placed on specific expectations. In addition, expectancies can be successfully predicted based on the cultural, relational, and individual factors selected. A discussion and implications of these results is included, as are limitations and directions for future study.

Authors

• Ioana A. Cionea, University of Oklahoma

• Carrisa S Hoelscher, The University of Oklahoma

• Bobbi Van Gilder, University of Oklahoma

• Deepa Anagondahalli, U of Maryland