Couple Relationship Standards in Thailand

Relationship standards are beliefs about what makes for a satisfying couple relationship. Standards vary substantially cross-culturally. The present study was the first assessment of relationship standards in Thailand, which is a unique synthesis of Chinese, Indian, and Buddhist influences. We assessed the standards of 300 Thai residents, and compared them with 354 Pakistani residents, 190 Westerners resident in the United States or Australia, and 285 residents of China. Thais endorsed almost all standards as of high importance. We found mainly cross-culturally consistency in Couple Bond standards (e.g., expression of love and intimacy); but large cultural differences in Family Responsibility standards (e.g., relations with extended family) and Religion standards (e.g., following religious practices as a couple), with Thais (and Pakistanis) endorsing these latter two standards more strongly than Westerners or Chinese. Couple therapy with Thai couples, and with culturally diverse couples in Western countries, likely needs to address culturally influenced relationship standards around Family Responsibility and Religion.