Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Psychology

Major Professor

Deborah P. Welsh

Committee Members

Todd M. Moore, Kirsten A. Gonzalez

Abstract

Technological advances such as the smartphone, social media, and online dating applications have made it possible for individuals to communicate around the globe (Bystydzienski, 2011), meet people irrespective of one’s geographic location (Hertlein & Piercy, 2008), and develop relationships with people of varying genders, ethnic groups, and countries (Cooper & Griffin-Shelley, 2002). Despite the growing number of intercultural romantic relationships worldwide (Bystydzienski, 2011; Fonseca et al., 2020), there is a significant gap in the literature including the experiences of intercultural couples. The purpose of this study was to gain in-depth understanding about the ways in which intercultural couples utilize technology in their relationships and its influence on the relationship as well as the individual members of the couple. The present study utilized an exploratory mixed-methods approach, administering quantitative measures and conducting a semi-structure interview with 25 intercultural dyads. Findings were consistent with prior research on romantic relationships with regards to attachment, relationship satisfaction, relationship intimacy, and technoference. Couples reported use of various technological devices for a number of functions in both initiation and maintenance stages of the relationship. Our results indicated ambivalent attitudes towards technology use, consistent with previous studies, which have also demonstrated ways in which technology use can have both positive and negative effects on the relationship. The role of sociocultural norms and expectations in intercultural couple’s digital interactions are considered. Qualitative findings describe ways in which members of the dyad manage expectations around technology use behaviors through the development of relationship norms and expectations that are unique to the couple. Findings from this study have potential implications for clinicians working with intercultural couples to improve relationship outcomes.

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