A recent study suggests that frequent conflicts, including arguments and emotional outbursts, help explain why people high in neuroticism often report less satisfaction in romantic relationships. The research, published in Sexual and Relationship Therapy, identifies everyday behaviors that can strain partnerships and may be especially relevant for couples in Thailand seeking healthier dynamics.
Neuroticism is one of the Big Five personality traits and describes a tendency toward strong negative emotions such as anxiety, sadness, irritability, and emotional instability. While partly shaped by genetics and early life, the trait is not a fixed fate. In Thai culture, the idea of hua jai wawn—quick to be upset or distressed—often surfaces in conversations about temperament. The new findings clarify that it is not only the emotional temperament itself but also the likelihood of engaging in conflict-driven behaviors that erode relationship satisfaction.
The study followed 202 adults in committed, cohabiting relationships for at least a year. Participants kept daily diaries for one week, noting their relationship satisfaction and whether they engaged in 64 behaviors, from showing gratitude to expressing anger. They completed baseline assessments of neuroticism and overall relationship satisfaction at the week’s start and end.
Researchers categorized behaviors into positive actions (affection, appreciation) and negative actions (anger, withdrawal, insults). A subset labeled “conflict tactics” included yelling, unresolved arguments, and emotional withdrawal. Analyses showed that higher neuroticism correlated with more frequent negative behaviors and with poorer conflict-management tactics. Crucially, these negative behaviors—not a lack of positive acts—were linked to lower relationship satisfaction.
According to the researchers, neuroticism is associated with more frequent negative relational behaviors and poorer conflict management. They conclude that these behaviors themselves help explain why neuroticism reduces relationship satisfaction, highlighting conflict patterns as a key mechanism.
For Thai audiences, the study offers a useful lens on couples’ dynamics. Thai culture highly values harmony and self-control, reinforced by Buddhist teachings. Yet modern life can intensify stress and emotional responses. While the study did not collect data on partners’ reactions, it provides a starting point for couples aiming to break cycles of conflict and for therapists guiding healthier communication.
Relationship professionals emphasize that how couples handle conflict matters as much as positive actions. The diary-based approach strengthens confidence in findings, as participants reported their experiences in real time. A Thai family counselor notes, “Conflict is natural, but the way it is managed makes all the difference. If frequent arguments appear, seeking guidance on constructive conflict resolution can help.”
Implications for Thai couples and therapists are meaningful. Many households still downplay open discussion of conflict, prioritizing peace over addressing underlying issues. Understanding that conflict escalation and withdrawal can stem from personality traits allows individuals to approach therapy with realism and self-compassion.
Cultural context remains important. Thailand’s collectivist orientation emphasizes group harmony, but urban pressures and Western influences are shaping how younger couples navigate disagreements. The study’s focus on conflict tactics suggests that while expressions of care matter, addressing root causes of frequent disputes and learning constructive ways to express dissatisfaction are critical for lasting relationships.
Future research could explore how partners’ behaviors modify the link between neuroticism and satisfaction and whether interventions focused on emotional regulation and conflict management yield lasting benefits. For Thai couples, workplace stress, economic uncertainty, and evolving gender roles may affect the frequency and intensity of conflicts. Including both partners in Thai samples could yield culturally tailored relationship-enrichment strategies.
Practical takeaways for Thai readers are twofold: first, frequent fights and emotional clashes matter more to relationship happiness than simply withholding affection; second, seeking support—through counseling, mindfulness practices, or communication workshops—can help reduce negative conflict patterns. Mindfulness, already popular in temples and wellness centers, can enhance emotional regulation when combined with proven conflict-management techniques.
Cities like Bangkok are expanding access to relationship counseling in Thai, with clinics and foundations offering affordable, language-supported services. Rural communities can benefit from online resources and community programs focused on communication, emotion management, and partner support.
In summary, while personality traits such as neuroticism are part of our makeup, their impact on relationships can be mitigated by awareness and deliberate behavioral change. Thai couples facing frequent disputes can find pathways to greater satisfaction by prioritizing healthy conflict management alongside positive relationship actions.
For those seeking further reading, the study appears in Sexual and Relationship Therapy, and there are local resources on relationship conflict management through Thailand’s Department of Mental Health and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.