251. When a Family Member is Ill: Implications for Prosocial Behavior Across Cultures
- Author
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Emily M. Cramer, Hyun-Joo Kim, Tae-Seop Lim, Hayeon Song, Jung-Hyun Kim, Sang-Yeon Kim, Seokhoon Ahn, and Jihyun Kim
- Subjects
Sociology and Political Science ,Social Psychology ,05 social sciences ,050109 social psychology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Family member ,0302 clinical medicine ,Prosocial behavior ,Extant taxon ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,Anthropology ,Cultural diversity ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Psychology ,Social psychology - Abstract
Extant research has yet to uncover whether cultural differences exist in reactions to family member illness and how observed differences may be explained theoretically. The current project examines the impact of cultural worldview on health assessment and behavior—using inclusive measures capturing a range of health promoting activities—when a family member is ill. Following two phases of study, grounded in Markus and Kitayama’s (1991) conjectures about self-construal and culture, results point to a relationship of interdependent construals of self and helping behavior as a form of health promotion in the context of a family illness. In light of research emphasizing the role of culture in motivating altruistic and relationship concerns, we propose two mechanisms through which the relationship among interdependent self-construal, family illness, and prosocial behavior can be explained.
- Published
- 2018
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