The impact of a love language game intervention on relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples in China and Malaysia: examining the role of individualism-collectivism

Abstract Background Relationship satisfaction is crucial for the well-being and longevity of romantic relationships. Although love language interventions have demonstrated positive effects on relationship satisfaction, most research has focused on Western contexts. This study investigates the impact...

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Main Authors: Guanzheng Chen, Yanying Chen, Yuying Fan, Zhiying Zhang, Gaohuan Chen, Jin Wu, Nor Eeza Zainal Abidin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Psychology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02865-z
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author Guanzheng Chen
Yanying Chen
Yuying Fan
Zhiying Zhang
Gaohuan Chen
Jin Wu
Nor Eeza Zainal Abidin
author_facet Guanzheng Chen
Yanying Chen
Yuying Fan
Zhiying Zhang
Gaohuan Chen
Jin Wu
Nor Eeza Zainal Abidin
author_sort Guanzheng Chen
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Relationship satisfaction is crucial for the well-being and longevity of romantic relationships. Although love language interventions have demonstrated positive effects on relationship satisfaction, most research has focused on Western contexts. This study investigates the impact of a Love Language Game intervention on relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples in China and Malaysia and examines the role of individualism-collectivism in determining the intervention's effectiveness. Method Employing a mixed-methods approach and a randomized controlled trial design (RCT). The quantitative analysis utilized a two-way ANOVA to compare the Love Language Game intervention group with a control group participating in an alternative relationship enhancement workshop series. The qualitative component consisted of interviews exploring participants' experiences and perceptions of the interventions. Results The findings revealed the effectiveness of the Love Language Game intervention in improving relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples and highlighted the influence of individualism-collectivism on the intervention's outcomes. Participants' experiences and perceptions emphasized the significance of engagement, communication, cultural sensitivity, and tailored strategies in relationship interventions. Conclusion This study contributes to the literature on love language-based interventions and their application in culturally diverse settings, offering valuable insights for relationship counsellors, educators, and policymakers. The findings may guide the development and implementation of culturally sensitive interventions to enhance relationship satisfaction and overall well-being in diverse populations.
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spelling doaj-art-60cbbe4854094b158e4ebfc8a35f5e682025-08-20T03:06:39ZengBMCBMC Psychology2050-72832025-07-0113111410.1186/s40359-025-02865-zThe impact of a love language game intervention on relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples in China and Malaysia: examining the role of individualism-collectivismGuanzheng Chen0Yanying Chen1Yuying Fan2Zhiying Zhang3Gaohuan Chen4Jin Wu5Nor Eeza Zainal Abidin6School of Foreign Languages, Guangzhou Xinhua UniversityFaculty of Sports and Exercise Science, Universiti MalayaSchool of Public Administration, Guangzhou Xinhua UniversityCollege of Digital Media , Software Engineering Institute of GuangzhouArt and Social Science School, Communication and Media Department, Universiti MalayaCollege of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal UniversityFaculty of Sports and Exercise Science, Universiti MalayaAbstract Background Relationship satisfaction is crucial for the well-being and longevity of romantic relationships. Although love language interventions have demonstrated positive effects on relationship satisfaction, most research has focused on Western contexts. This study investigates the impact of a Love Language Game intervention on relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples in China and Malaysia and examines the role of individualism-collectivism in determining the intervention's effectiveness. Method Employing a mixed-methods approach and a randomized controlled trial design (RCT). The quantitative analysis utilized a two-way ANOVA to compare the Love Language Game intervention group with a control group participating in an alternative relationship enhancement workshop series. The qualitative component consisted of interviews exploring participants' experiences and perceptions of the interventions. Results The findings revealed the effectiveness of the Love Language Game intervention in improving relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples and highlighted the influence of individualism-collectivism on the intervention's outcomes. Participants' experiences and perceptions emphasized the significance of engagement, communication, cultural sensitivity, and tailored strategies in relationship interventions. Conclusion This study contributes to the literature on love language-based interventions and their application in culturally diverse settings, offering valuable insights for relationship counsellors, educators, and policymakers. The findings may guide the development and implementation of culturally sensitive interventions to enhance relationship satisfaction and overall well-being in diverse populations.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02865-zLove language game interventionRelationship satisfactionIndividualism-collectivismCultural differences
spellingShingle Guanzheng Chen
Yanying Chen
Yuying Fan
Zhiying Zhang
Gaohuan Chen
Jin Wu
Nor Eeza Zainal Abidin
The impact of a love language game intervention on relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples in China and Malaysia: examining the role of individualism-collectivism
BMC Psychology
Love language game intervention
Relationship satisfaction
Individualism-collectivism
Cultural differences
title The impact of a love language game intervention on relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples in China and Malaysia: examining the role of individualism-collectivism
title_full The impact of a love language game intervention on relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples in China and Malaysia: examining the role of individualism-collectivism
title_fullStr The impact of a love language game intervention on relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples in China and Malaysia: examining the role of individualism-collectivism
title_full_unstemmed The impact of a love language game intervention on relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples in China and Malaysia: examining the role of individualism-collectivism
title_short The impact of a love language game intervention on relationship satisfaction among Chinese couples in China and Malaysia: examining the role of individualism-collectivism
title_sort impact of a love language game intervention on relationship satisfaction among chinese couples in china and malaysia examining the role of individualism collectivism
topic Love language game intervention
Relationship satisfaction
Individualism-collectivism
Cultural differences
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02865-z
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