1. Why Power Decreases Happiness in a Collectivist Context? A Qualitative Study
- Author
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Datu, Jesus Alfonso D. and Reyes, Jose Alberto S.
- Subjects
Psychological aspects ,Happiness -- Psychological aspects ,Power (Philosophy) -- Psychological aspects - Abstract
Author(s): Jesus Alfonso D. Datu [sup.1] , Jose Alberto S. Reyes [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) 0000000121742757grid.194645.bDivision of Learning, Development, and Diversity, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, [...], In the Western settings, power positively predicted happiness (e.g., Kifer et al. 2013 (See CR16)). Though, this result may not be generalized across cultures as cultural psychologists recognized that interdependence is more important in collectivist cultures. Consistent with this conjecture, Datu and Reyes (2014 (See CR10)) assessed the relations among power, relations, and happiness in the Philippine setting which revealed that power negatively predicted happiness. However, not much is known on why power could potentially reduce happiness in collectivist cultures. Thus, the current investigation employed qualitative research to offer in-depth explanations on why power may be associated with lower happiness in a collectivist setting. Findings revealed three major themes that characterized reasons on why power may decrease happiness in an interdependent context: a.) Power impairs relationship; b.) Power evokes negative judgments from others; and c.) Power comes with a great responsibility. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
- Published
- 2017
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