When you hear “emotional support,” you might think of positive actions like understanding, encouragement, compassion, and comfort.
Emotional support is commonly seen as essential for forming and maintaining friendships, providing a sense of help, tangible support, and self-worth.
Existing studies have highlighted the positive impact of emotional support on health and well-being, emphasizing its role in combating loneliness and improving overall health outcomes.
Interestingly, some researchers have found that the perception of emotional support does not always lead to positive effects on subjective well-being and can even have adverse effects.
According to Fisher et al. (1982),
“Recipients of support often ‘experience negative consequences including feelings of failure, inferiority, and dependency’ and thus ‘in many instances “[they] bite the hands that feed them”’ (p. 27).”
This apparent contradiction prompted this study published by sage, exploring the cultural underpinnings of the benefits or absence of benefits associated with perceived emotional support.
Independence-Interdependence Theory
Drawing on the independence-interdependence theory of cultural self, the researchers argue that in cultures that value independence, the direct link between perceived emotional support and well-being may be compromised.
This is because perceiving oneself as dependent on support can conflict with the importance placed on independence.
On the other hand, in cultures that prioritize interdependence, perceived emotional support is expected to have clear and positive effects on well-being.
To test this hypothesis, the study examines subjective well-being and reported physical health among college students (Study 1) and nonstudent adults (Study 2).
By considering different cultural contexts, the research aims to shed light on the role of culture in shaping the effectiveness of perceived emotional support in promoting well-being.
The Study
Study 1 found that among Euro-American college students, the positive effect of perceived emotional support on subjective well-being was weak and virtually nonexistent once self-esteem was taken into account.
On the other hand, in testing Japanese and Filipinos in Asia, even after controlling for self-esteem, perceived emotional support positively predicted subjective well-being
Study 2 extended the research by examining Japanese and American adults in midlife.
The results supported Study 1.
The evidence suggests that cultural orientations towards independence or interdependence influence the way individuals perceive and benefit from emotional support.
Those cultures that are more interdependent are more likely to benefit from perceived emotional support in terms of well-being and physical health.
These findings have implications for understanding the role of cultural context in shaping social support processes and interventions to promote well-being.
Success Across Cultures 