Abstract
We argue that interdependent happiness, predicated on interpersonal harmony, quiescence and ordinariness, is the core concept of shared meanings of happiness in interdependent cultural contexts. This paper presents its theoretical background based on culture and self studies, methods of measurement, and the latest available evidence from both the East and the West on interdependent happiness, while also elaborating on future directions. In particular, we investigate how interdependent happiness correlates with subjective well-being differently and flourishes differently across cultures. Our argument is an East Asian contribution to the recent world-wide interest in the measurement of culturally diverse types of happiness, that attempts to better appreciate the deeply rooted, socio-cultural nature of human ways of life.
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There are also some methodological advantages in regional comparisons, such that within a nation, institutions that are often quite distinct across nations –political systems and economic situations, education and so on– can be held constant. Also the methodological problems due to translation (van de Vijver & Tanzer, 2004), response biases (Johnson, Kulesa, Cho, & Shavitt, 2005) and reference group effect (Heine, Lehman, Peng, & Greenholtz, 2002) can also be kept minimum.
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In this regard, the positive relationships factor of the PWB apparently overlap with interdependent happiness. However, while the former involves active management of and control over relationships, the latter is predicated on a harmonious approach to relationships, such as maintaining quiescence and being ordinary without necessarily controlling it, as we discussed regarding face maintenance above. In fact, the two correlate modestly (Japan: r = .52, p < .001; U.S.: r = .40, p < .001, Hitokoto & Uchida, 2015).
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Hitokoto, H., Uchida, Y. (2018). Interdependent Happiness: Progress and Implications. In: Demir, M., Sümer, N. (eds) Close Relationships and Happiness across Cultures. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 13. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89663-2_2
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