An exploratory study of discontented responses in American and Chinese relationships

Abstract

This study investigated discontented responses within and between American and Chinese cultures. Previous studies suggest that Americans rely on more explicit codes than Chinese, and that while disagreement prompts less strong discontented responses than injury or disappointment in both cultures, Chinese respond to intimates more explicitly than to acquaintances or strangers. University students of both cultures were asked to respond to hypothetical episodes by indicating their degree of discontent. Results of statistical analyses demonstrate only marginal cultural differences. Possible explanations were provided based on the results.