The self-perceived commitment and relationship maintenance behaviors among Finnish-Chinese couples in Finland : an application of the investment model in intercultural romantic relationship studies

Abstract

The investment model (2003) has been widely used in romantic relationship studies but rarely in an intercultural context. This study tests the investment model by examining Finnish-Chinese couples’ self-perceptions of commitment level and relationship maintenance behaviors. A qualitative research method with deductive thematic analysis approach is applied.

This study finds that Finnish-Chinese couples have relatively high level of commitment. They tend to remain in their relationships, to actively derogate alternatives, to sacrifice self-welfare for gratifying relationship well-being, to perceive their relationships as good and healthy and to choose relationship constructive responses under dissatisfying situations. These findings show that the commitment are positively associated with the relationship maintenance behaviors which consists with the investment model.

It is also found that the reward-cost frame influences Finnish-Chinese couples’ willingness to sacrifice. Moreover, communication is the most appreciated strategy for them to confront conflicts. Two characteristics of their communication are found which are development and negotiation. Finally, the ways in which culture may have an effect on Finnish-Chinese couples’ perceptions of commitment are discussed.