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We examined the cultural influence on perceived body weight and the level of health practices at a national and individual level. At a national level, we found that Japanese women (n = 80) overestimate body weight more than Korean (n = 82) and American (n = 63) women. At an individual level, individuals with interdependent self-construal were more prone to overestimate weight than those with independent self-construal (N = 182; American women). Based on the data, we identify that the relationship is mediated by self-criticism, and, importantly, it is self-criticism rather than perceived overweight that predicts the level of health activities. Health practitioners and campaign designers across cultures are recommended to concentrate on promoting positive body esteem instead of encouraging engagement in corrective health behaviors for weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adopting Nisbett’s theory of analytic and holistic thinking, the current study examines cultural influence on perceptions about the health benefits of holistic foods and nutritional elements. Consistent with the theory, Korean older adults ( n = 84) tended to believe that consuming whole, natural foods (e.g., honey, aloe vera, green tea) is more helpful for health than taking individual nutrition elements (e.g., vitamins, calcium, iron). A reverse pattern prevailed for American older adults ( n = 61). Results from a follow-up study ( n = 284) indicate the same pattern of cultural difference in perception of food nutrition can be replicated with individual measurements of analytic-holistic thinking. Holistic thinking tended to predict the valuation of food functions (‘ what it does as a whole ’) and the de valuation of food elements (‘ what is in it ’). The current findings extend the validity of Nisbett’s theory and provide practical implications for medical doctors and food marketers intending to persuade Asian patients/clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines contributing factors of alcohol misuse among college students in South Korea and the U.S. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) on measurements of alcohol expectancy, alcohol efficacy, and accommodation resulted in social and personal causes for alcohol misuse. Social causes alone predicted alcohol misuse for both countries. Social factors constituted a much stronger predictor of alcohol misuse among South Korean students than among American students. Practical implications for effective deterrence of student binge drinking are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a social category ‘immigrant’ can function rhetorically to constitute a line between self and Other. The case study of spousal murder in late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Chicago illustrates that Americans attempted to make sense of these murders by scapegoating immigrants. Statistical data illustrate that immigrants were no more likely to murder a spouse than anyone else. Yet, analysis of the rhetoric about wife murder in Chicago newspapers shows that murderers were framed as immigrant Other. We identify three frames used in newspapers to constitute immigrants as Other and identify the contemporary relevance for public understandings of immigration. We argue that while explicit debates about immigration draw lines that constitute American identity, the most insidious rhetorical borders enter into the American imaginary through seemingly unrelated issues. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Measuring conflict of interest and expertise on FDA advisory committees" by N. Ackerly in the December 10, 2013 issue.