Australians can learn from traditional Eastern values to keep their marriages happier and and families intact.

A new study by researchers from the University of Queensland said that wisdom from the East, particularly Chinese culture which has very low rates of divorce, can be used to strengthen relationships in Australia.

Lead researcher Professor Kim Halford, from UQ's School of Psychology, said Chinese cultures traditionally had very low rates of divorce.

"This study may help to uncover some of the factors that help Chinese couples achieve harmonious relationships," he said, adding that "Chinese people tend to place high value on good relationships with extended family, doing their duty to their spouse and others, and preserving their partner's 'face' or dignity.

On the other hand, marriage in the Western world has become very fixated on romance, passion and expression of feelings between the spouses, he noted.

"While these are good qualities to have in a marriage, it is important for couples to have a sense of belonging to their wider family and to commit to the work of making the marriage last," Halford said.

"Many of the traditional Chinese marriage values are likely to make marriages happier, and at lower risk of divorce."

According to co-researcher, Danika Hiew, their previous study explored Chinese and Western perceptions about what makes marriage great.

"We found that Westerners tended to talk about being in love, and expression of affection, whereas Chinese were more likely to comment on working together to build a good life. They put a strong emphasis on the concept of 'togetherness'," she said.

"These beliefs flow into ideas about the extended family as well. Chinese people saw the couple as part of an extended family unit, and relationships with family and community as very important, whereas Westerners saw the couple as somewhat separate from the extended family.

Hiew said the aim of the research was to develop relationship education programs that included Chinese relationship skills and values. She noted that the current relationship education programs are based on research with white couples in America, Europe and Australia.

These programs are based on Western concepts of a good relationship and do not include ideas from other cultures, she added.