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Self-Construal, Social Support, and Loneliness in Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Hiromi Taniguchi

    (University of Louisville)

  • Gayle Kaufman

    (Davidson College)

Abstract

We examine the effects of self-construal and social support in friendships on loneliness using data from a random sample of residents in Tokyo, Japan. We find that the relationship between interdependent and independent self-construal is not orthogonal, as found by studies in the West, but moderately positive. Net of independence, interdependence significantly and positively predicts perceived social support, but not vice versa. By comparison, neither interdependence nor independence completely absorbs the protective effect of the other on loneliness. Our full models including other variables (e.g. gender, age, and extraversion personality) show that interdependence matters more in explaining perceived social support and loneliness. Moreover, perceived social support partially mediates the negative effect of interdependence on loneliness. We discuss implications of these and other related findings for future research on self-construal and subjective wellbeing across societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Hiromi Taniguchi & Gayle Kaufman, 2019. "Self-Construal, Social Support, and Loneliness in Japan," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 14(4), pages 941-960, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:14:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s11482-018-9636-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-018-9636-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yukiko Uchida & Vinai Norasakkunkit & Shinobu Kitayama, 2004. "Cultural constructions of happiness: theory and emprical evidence," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 5(3), pages 223-239, September.
    2. Luo Lu & Robin Gilmour, 2004. "Culture and conceptions of happiness: individual oriented and social oriented swb," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 5(3), pages 269-291, September.
    3. Alan R. Teo, 2010. "A New Form of Social Withdrawal in Japan: a Review of Hikikomori," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 56(2), pages 178-185, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ricardo Pagan & Miguel Angel Malo, 2024. "Dynamic Analysis of Loneliness at Older Ages in Europe by Gender," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 19(4), pages 1601-1630, August.
    2. Chen, Nuoya & Jiao, Jinfeng (Jenny) & Fan, Xiucheng & Li, Shaobo (Kevin), 2021. "The shape of loneliness: The relationship between loneliness and consumer preference for angular versus circular shapes," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 612-629.

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