Cultural and Social Aspects of Emotion Regulation

Abstract

Chapter 4 investigates how emotion regulation is a socially constructed, culturally influenced phenomenon. Investigating emotion regulation through a cultural lens provides a viable framework to differentiate social norms according to a larger social context. In Western cultures fostering autonomy and cultivating a positive personal self-concept is important for emotion regulation. In contrast, in non-Western cultures achieving harmony among relationships is the primary goal of emotion regulation. Cross-cultural research has determined both similarities and differences. Accordingly, empirical findings suggest emotion expression is common in Western cultures, whereas, suppression is common among Asian cultures. Relatedly, the same regulatory strategies have divergent effects in different cultures. Research has demonstrated the association between suppression and psychopathology in Western cultures; however, emotional suppression has been associated with positive health outcomes in East Asian cultures. Yet, cultures are often heterogeneous in nature, supporting both autonomy and harmony; thus, future research should consider intra-cultural differences more closely.