“Hold Me Tight”: Cultural Values and Social Exchange in Long-Distance Dating Relationships

• In Event: Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder! OR Does It?: Investigating Long Distance Relationships

Abstract

This research examines how the use of maintenance behaviors and the fulfillment of comparison levels in long-distance dating relationships vary in different cultural groups. A survey (N=102) of American and Chinese currently in long-distance dating relationships found that while there was no significant difference between American and Chinese in cultural dimensions, Americans reported using maintenance behaviors more frequently than their Chinese counterparts. Assurances were used more frequently while network was used less frequently in both samples. Openness and network were used significantly less than the other three maintenance behaviors in Chinese sample. Moreover, satisfaction was positively correlated with partners’ fulfillment of comparison level for positivity, assurances, and tasks in American sample, while was negatively correlated with partners’ fulfillment of comparison level for openness in Chinese sample. This research provides insight into examining relational maintenance behaviors in terms of cultural features and relative to comparison level.

Author

• Mengfei Guan, University of Georgia