Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Family, Friends, and Subjective Well-being: A Comparison Between the West and Asia

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Friendship and Happiness

Abstract

This chapter compares how family relationships and friendships influence subjective well-being in Western cultures and in the Asian context. Theories focusing on the function and life-span development of social network are first reviewed. Empirical findings about how family relationships and friendships contribute to subjective well-being in Western cultures are introduced. The two types of relationship play different roles in the social network. Friendships are particularly important in providing emotional support while family relationships are especially important during difficult times in life. Then, studies about the effect of family relationships and friendships on subjective well-being in the Asian context were specifically introduced, with an emphasis on the differences from the Western findings. Family relationships are more influential in the Asian context and the quantity of friendships also significantly contributes to subjective well-being. Lastly, future studies are encouraged to investigate how changes in demographics in modern societies and individual’s life-span development influence the effect of family relationships and friendships, how the two types of relationships interact to influence subjective well-being, and the causal relationship between social network and subjective well-being.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adams, R. G. (1988). Which comes first: Poor psychological well-being or decreased friendship activity? Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 12, 27–41. doi: 10.1300/J016v12n01_03.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adams, R. G., & Blieszner, R. (1995). Aging well with friends and family. American Behavioral Scientist, 39, 209–224. doi: 10.1177/0002764295039002008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allik, J., & Realo, A. (2004). Individualism-Collectivism and social capital. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 35, 29–49. doi: 10.1177/0022022103260381.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Antonucci, T. C. (1990). Social supports and social relationships. In R. H. Binstock & L. K. George (Eds.), Handbook of aging and the social sciences (3rd ed., pp. 205–226). San Diego: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Antonucci, T. C., & Akiyama, H. (1995). Convoys of social relations: Family and friendships within a life span context. In R. Blieszner & V. H. Bedford (Eds.), Handbook of aging and the family (pp. 355–371). Westport: Greenwood Press/Greenwood Publishing Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Antonucci, T. C., Lansford, J. E., & Akiyama, H. (2001). Impact of positive and negative aspects of marital relationships and friendships on well-being of older adults. Applied Developmental Science, 5(2), 68–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Antonucci, T., Akiyama, H., & Takahashi, K. (2004). Attachment and close relationships across the life span. Attachment & Human Development, 6, 353–370. doi: 10.1080/1461673042000303136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55, 469–480. doi: 10.1037/0003-066x.55.5.469.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arnett, J. J. (2007). Emerging adulthood: What is it, and what is it good for? Child Development Perspectives, 1, 68–73. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-8606.2007.00016.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cantor, M. H. (1979). Neighbors and friends: An overlooked resource in the informal support system. Research on Aging, 1, 434–463. doi: 10.1177/016402757914002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carbery, J., & Buhrmester, D. (1998). Friendship and need fulfillment during three phases of young adulthood. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 15, 393–409. doi: 10.1177/0265407598153005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carstensen, L. L. (1992). Social and emotional patterns in adulthood: Support for socioemotional selectivity theory. Psychology and Aging, 7, 331–338. doi: 10.1037/0882-7974.7.3.331.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carstensen, L. L. (2006). The influence of a sense of time on human development. Science, 312, 1913–1915. doi: 10.1126/science.1127488.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carstensen, L. L., Isaacowitz, D. M., & Charles, S. T. (1999). Taking time seriously: A theory of socioemotional selectivity. American Psychologist, 54(3), 165–181.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Census and Statistics Department, Government of HKSAR. (2007). Marriage and divorce trends in Hong Kong, 1981 to 2006. Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics. http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp160.jsp?productCode=FA100055. Accessed 2 Jan 2013.

  • Chan, Y. K., & Lee, R. P. L. (2006). Network size, social support and happiness in later life: A comparative study of Beijing and Hong Kong. Journal of Happiness Studies, 7, 87–112. doi: 10.1007/s10902-005-1915-1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng, S.-T., Lee, C. K. L., Chan, A. C. M., Leung, E. M. F., & Lee, J.-J. (2009). Social network types and subjective well-being in Chinese older adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 64B, 713–722. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbp075.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng, S.-T., Li, K.-K., Leung, E. M. F., & Chan, A. C. M. (2011). Social exchanges and subjective well-being: Do sources of positive and negative exchanges matter? The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 66B, 708–718. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbr061.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chou, K., & Chi, I. (2003). Reciprocal relationship between social support and depressive symptoms among Chinese elderly. Aging & Mental Health, 7(3), 224–231.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, M. S., & Mills, J. (1979). Interpersonal attraction in exchange and communal relationships. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 37(1), 12–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, M. S., & Mills, J. (1993). The difference between communal and exchange relationships: What it is and is not. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 19, 684–691. doi: 10.1177/0146167293196003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Conger, R. D., Elder, G. H. Jr., Lorenz, F. O., Conger, K. J., Simons, R. L., Whitbeck, L. B., & Melby, J. N. (1990). Linking economic hardship to marital quality and instability. Journal of Marriage and Family, 52(3), 643–656.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Connidis, I. A., & Davies, L. (1990). Confidants and companions in later life: The place of family and friends. Journal of Gerontology, 45, S141–S149. doi: 10.1093/geronj/45.4.S141.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davey, A., & Eggebeen, D. J. (1998). Patterns of intergenerational exchange and mental health. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 53B, P86–P95. doi: 10.1093/geronb/53B.2.P86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dean, A., Kolody, B., & Wood, P. (1990). Effects of social support from various sources on depression in elderly persons. Journal of Health And Social Behavior, 31(2), 148–161.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2002). Handbook of self-determination research. Rochester: University of Rochester Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Demir, M. (2010). Close relationships and happiness among emerging adults. Journal of Happiness Studies, 11, 293–313. doi: 10.1007/s10902-009-9141-x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Demir, M., Orthel, H., & Andelin, A. K. (2013). Friendship and happiness. In S. A. David, I. Boniwell & A. C. Ayers (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of happiness (pp. 860–870). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Demir, M., & Özdemir, M. (2010). Friendship, need satisfaction and happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies, 11, 243–259. doi: 10.1007/s10902-009-9138-5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dono, J. E., Falbe, C. M., Kail, B. L., Litwak, E., Sherman, R. H., & Siegel, D. (1979). Primary groups in old age: Structure and function. Research on Aging, 1, 403–433. doi: 10.1177/016402757914001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dupertuis, L. L., Aldwin, C. M., & Bosse, R. (2001). Does the source of support matter for different health outcomes? Findings from the Normative Aging Study. Journal of Aging and Health, 13, 494–510. doi: 10.1177/089826430101300403.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ferraro, K. F. (2001). Aging and role transitions. In R. H. Binstock & L. K. George (Eds.), Handbook of aging and the social sciences (5th ed., pp. 313–330). New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fiori, K. L., Antonucci, T. C., & Cortina, K. S. (2006). Social network typologies and mental health among older adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 61(1), P25–P32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fiori, K. L., Antonucci, T. C., & Akiyama, H. (2008). Profiles of social relations among older adults a cross-cultural approach. Ageing & Society, 28, 203–231. doi:10.1017/S0144686X07006472.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, M. M. (1993). Social support sources and psychological well-being in older women with heart disease. Research in Nursing & Health, 16, 405–413. doi: 10.1002/nur.4770160604.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fuligni, A. J., Tseng, V., & Lam, M. (1999). Attitudes toward family obligations among American adolescents with Asian, Latin American, and European backgrounds. Child Development, 70(4), 1030.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gheorghiu, M., Vignoles, V., & Smith, P. (2009). Beyond the United States and Japan: Testing Yamagishi’s emancipation theory of trust across 31 nations. Social Psychology Quarterly, 72(4), 365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gómez, C., Shapiro, D. L., & Kirkman, B. L. (2000). The impact of collectivism and in-group/out-group membership on the evaluation generosity of team members. Academy of Management Journal, 43, 1097–1106. doi: 10.2307/1556338.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, W. D. (1964). The genetical evolution of social behaviour. I. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 7, 1–16. doi: 10.1016/0022-5193(64)90038-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heller, K., Thompson, M., Vlachos-Weber, I., Steffen, A., & Trueba, P. (1991). Support interventions for older adults: Confidante relationships, perceived family support, and meaningful role activity. American Journal of Community Psychology, 19, 139–146. doi: 10.1007/bf00942262.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Holt-Lunstad, J., Uchino, B. N., Smith, T. W., Olson-Cerny, C., & Nealey-Moore, J. B. (2003). Social relationships and ambulatory blood pressure: Structural and qualitative predictors of cardiovascular function during everyday social interactions. Health Psychology, 22, 388–397.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hui, H. C., Triandis, H. C., & Yee, C. (1991). Cultural differences in reward allocation: Is collectivism the explanation? British Journal of Social Psychology, 30, 145–157. doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8309.1991.tb00931.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kahn, R. L., & Antonucci, T. C. (1980). Convoys over the life course: Attachment, roles, and social support. In P. B. Baltes & O. Brim (Eds.), Life-span development and behavior (Vol. 3). New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karney, B. R., & Bradbury, T. N. (1995). The longitudinal course of marital quality and stability: A review of theory, method, and research. Psychological Bulletin, 118(1), 3–34.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, H. S., Sherman, D. K., Ko, D., & Taylor, S. E. (2006). Pursuit of comfort and pursuit of harmony: Culture, relationships, and social support seeking. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 32, 1595–1607. doi: 10.1177/0146167206291991.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kwan, V. S. Y., Bond, M. H., & Singelis, T. M. (1997). Pancultural explanations for life satisfaction: Adding relationship harmony to self-esteem. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(5), 1038–1051.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lang, F. R. (2001). Regulation of social relationships in later adulthood. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 56(6), P321–P326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Larson, R., Mannell, R., & Zuzanek, J. (1986). Daily well-being of older adults with friends and family. Psychology and Aging, 1(2), 117–126.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, G. R., & Ellithorpe, E. (1982). Intergenerational exchange and subjective well-being among the elderly. Journal of Marriage and Family, 44, 217–224. doi: 10.2307/351275.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, G. R., & Ishii-Kuntz, M. (1987). Social interaction, loneliness, and emotional well-being among the elderly. Research on Aging, 9, 459–482. doi: 10.1177/0164027587094001.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, R. P. L., Ruan, D., & Lai, G. (2005). Social structure and support networks in Beijing and Hong Kong. Social Networks, 27(3), 249–274. doi: 10.1016/j.socnet.2005.04.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levitt, M. J., Weber, R. A., & Guacci, N. (1993). Convoys of social support: An intergenerational analysis. Psychology & Aging, 8(3), 323–326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Litwak, E., & Szelenyi, I. (1969). Primary group structures and their functions: Kin, neighbors, and friends. American Sociological Review, 34, 465–481. doi: 10.2307/2091957.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Litwin, H. (2001). Social network type and morale in old age. The Gerontologist, 41(4), 516–524.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Litwin, H., & Shiovitz-Ezra, S. (2011). Social network type and subjective well-being in a national sample of older Americans. The Gerontologist, 51, 379–388. doi:10.1093/geront/gnq094.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, L. (1995). The relationship between subjective well-being and psychosocial variables in Taiwan. Journal of Social Psychology, 135(3), 351–357.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, L. (1999). Personal or environmental causes of happiness: A longitudinal analysis. Journal of Social Psychology, 139(1), 79–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lucas, R. E., & Dyrenforth, P. S. (2006). Does the existence of social relationships matter for subjective well-being? In K. D. Vohs & E. J. Finkel (Eds.), Self and relationships: Connecting intrapersonal and interpersonal processes (pp. 254–273). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lucas, R. E., Dyrenforth, P. S., & Diener, E. (2008). Four myths about subjective well-being. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 2, 2001–2015. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2008.00140.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005). The benefits of frequent positive affect: Does happiness lead to success? Psychological Bulletin, 131, 803–855. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.803.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Markus, H. R., & Kitayama, S. (1991). Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation. Psychological Review, 98(2), 224–253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCulloch, B. J. (1990). The relationship of intergenerational reciprocity of aid to the morale of older parents: Equity and exchange theory comparisons. Journal of Gerontology, 45, S150–S155. doi: 10.1093/geronj/45.4.S150.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Messeri, P., Silverstein, M., & Litwak, E. (1993). Choosing optimal support groups: A review and reformulation. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 34, 122–137. doi: 10.2307/2137239.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, L. J., & Chen, X. (2007). Emerging adulthood in China: The role of social and cultural factors. Child Development Perspectives, 1, 86–91. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-8606.2007.00020.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nussbaum, J. F., Pecchioni, L. L., Robinson, J. D., & Thompson, T. L. (2000). Communication and aging (2nd ed.). Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Okun, M. A., & Keith, V. M. (1998). Effects of positive and negative social exchanges with various sources on depressive symptoms in younger and older adults. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 53B, P4–P20. doi: 10.1093/geronb/53B.1.P4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Penning, M. J. (1990). Receipt of assistance by elderly people: Hierarchical selection and task specificity. The Gerontologist, 30, 220–227. doi: 10.1093/geront/30.2.220.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, D., Siu, O., Yeh, A., & Cheng, K. (2008). Informal social support and older persons’ psychological well-being in Hong Kong. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 23, 39–55. doi: 10.1007/s10823-007-9056-0.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pinquart, M., & Sorensen, S. (2000). Influences of socioeconomic status, social network, and competence on subjective well-being in later life: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging, 15, 187–224. doi: 10.1037/0882-7974.15.2.187.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reinhardt, J. P. (1996). The importance of friendship and family support in adaptation to chronic vision impairment. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 51B, P268–P278. doi: 10.1093/geronb/51B.5.P268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rook, K. S. (1987). Reciprocity of social exchange and social satisfaction among older women. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(1), 145–154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rook, K. S. (2001). Emotional health and positive versus negative social exchanges: A daily diary analysis. Applied Developmental Science, 5, 86–97. doi: 10.1207/S1532480XADS0502_4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rook, K. S. (2003). Exposure and reactivity to negative social exchanges: A preliminary investigation using daily diary data. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 58, P100–P111. doi: 10.1093/geronb/58.2.P100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberger, N. (2007). Rethinking emerging adulthood in Japan: Perspectives from long-term single women. Child Development Perspectives, 1, 92–95. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-8606.2007.00021.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simons, R. L. (1983–1984). Specificity and substitution in the social networks of the elderly. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 18(2), 121–139.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siu, O.-L., & Phillips, D. R. (2002). A study of family support, friendship, and psychological well-being among older women in Hong Kong. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 55(4), 299–319.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spitzer, S. B., Llabre, M. M., Ironson, G. H., Gellman, M. D., & Schneiderman, N. (1992). The influence of social situations on ambulatory blood pressure. Psychosomatic Medicine, 54(1), 79–86.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Story, L. B., & Repetti, R. (2006). Daily occupational stressors and marital behavior. Journal of Family Psychology, 20, 690–700. doi: 10.1037/0893-3200.20.4.690.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tam, K.-P., Lau, H. P. B., & Jiang, D. (2012). Culture and subjective well-being: A dynamic constructivist view. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 43, 23–31. doi: 10.1177/0022022110388568.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, R. J., Chatters, L. M., Hardison, C. B., & Riley, A. (2001). Informal social support networks and subjective well-being among African Americans. Journal of Black Psychology, 27, 439–463. doi: 10.1177/0095798401027004004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Turcotte, M. (2007). Time spent with family during a typical workday, 1986 to 2005. Canadian Social Trends no. 83, Statistics Canada Catalogue No. 11-008, 2–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • United Nations. (2011). Total fertility by major area, region and country, 1950–2100 (children per woman). World population prospects: The 2010 revision. http://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/Excel-Data/fertility.htm. Accessed 27 Jan 2013.

  • Walen, H. R., & Lachman, M. E. (2000). Social support and strain from partner, family, and friends: Costs and benefits for men and women in adulthood. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 17, 5–30. doi: 10.1177/0265407500171001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yamagishi, T., & Yamagishi, M. (1994). Trust and commitment in the United States and Japan. Motivation and Emotion, 18, 129–166. doi: 10.1007/bf02249397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yamagishi, T., Cook, K. S., & Watabe, M. (1998). Uncertainty, trust, and commitment formation in the United States and Japan. The American Journal of Sociology, 104(1), 165–194.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, K.-S. (2006). Indigenized conceptual and empirical analyses of selected Chinese psychological characteristics. International Journal of Psychology, 41(4), 298–303.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yeung, G. T. Y., & Fung, H. (2007). Social support and life satisfaction among Hong Kong Chinese older adults: Family first? European Journal of Ageing, 4, 219–227. doi: 10.1007/s10433-007-0065-1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, X., Yeung, D. Y., Fung, H. H., & Lang, F. R. (2011). Changes in peripheral social partners and loneliness over time: The moderating role of interdependence. Psychology and Aging, 26, 823–829. doi: 10.1037/a0023674.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological Studies and Centre for Psychosocial Health, Hong Kong Institute of Education, New Territories, Hong Kong

    Tianyuan Li

  2. Department of Health and Physical Education, Hong Kong Institute of Education, New Territories, Hong Kong

    Sheung-Tak Cheng

  3. Department of Clinical Psychology, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom

    Sheung-Tak Cheng

Authors
  1. Tianyuan Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sheung-Tak Cheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sheung-Tak Cheng .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA

    Melikşah Demir

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Li, T., Cheng, ST. (2015). Family, Friends, and Subjective Well-being: A Comparison Between the West and Asia. In: Demir, M. (eds) Friendship and Happiness. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9603-3_14

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation