ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with the significance of intercultural couple relationships and provides a framework for understanding cultural differences in couple relationships. It discusses the implications of this framework for couple relationship education and therapy and illustrates the application of the framework using the case of the Wongs. Intercultural couple relationships have historically been unusual and formed against the wishes of the partners' families and societies. Intercultural couples are at higher risk of divorce than intra-cultural couples, and this risk increases with the extent of difference between the partners' cultures. The dimensions of individualism and collectivism provide a simple framework via which cultural differences in couple relationships can be understood. In individualistic cultures, people are perceived as separate beings whose behaviour is primarily determined by internal attributes. Relationship standards regarding psychological intimacy and emotional support also differ along the dimension of individualism– collectivism. In individualistic cultures, individual thoughts and feelings are regarded as important matters worthy of exploration.
