Intercultural Romantic Relationships: How is the Love?

Abstract

Numbers of intercultural romantic relationships are rising in the Western part of the world. However, there remains paucity in empirical evidence on how cultural differences impact those in intercultural romantic relationships. This study was conducted using qualitative methodology and involved a culturally diverse sample of 28 individuals who participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview data was analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Results revealed that culture was conceptualised as meaningfully shaping the psycho-social-sexual-spiritual and existential aspects of relational functioning. It is highlighted that intercultural partners face challenges that are a combination of cultural, socioeconomic, and personal factors, which are compounded by changes across the lifespan. Findings facilitate a new way of understanding factors that enable the effective functioning of relationships that unite multiple cultures, including support from extended family and wider community. Furthermore, effective communication, active engagement with each other's culture, and importance of attunement were identified as key to co-creating a third, intercultural reality within romantic relationships.

Keywords

Culture intercultural relationships culturally-sensitive practice qualitative research methods

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