Final Project Analysis Paper On Cross-Cultural Psychology

Final Project Analysis Paper on Cross-Cultural Psychology of a Selected Culture

The final project for this course is the creation of an analysis paper. In the paper, you will analyze a particular culture from the perspective of a cross-cultural psychologist.

This project will allow you to demonstrate your ability to analyze different cultures using a psychological approach and to draw conclusions based on research of that culture’s characteristics. The analysis paper will be submitted in Module Seven. Guidelines This paper will challenge you to apply what you have learned in this course to an investigation of a cultural or ethnic group of your choosing (except white European Americans). You will, in essence, be thinking like a cross-cultural psychologist. You should position the group’s culture in terms of its location on specific cultural dimensions (e.g., power distance, uncertainty avoidance) and explain what it tells us about their behavior and psychology.

Address at least five of the following areas in your paper:

• What predictions can be made about the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of this group in light of their unique cultural background?
• How would a cross-cultural psychologist expect the group to perform on various psychological measures (e.g., a Big Five personality test) and tasks (e.g., perspective taking, helping strangers)?
• How might social values of this group affect attributions?
• Investigate this culture’s view on psychological disorders, most commonly diagnosed ones, and treatment methods.
• Identify specific communication patterns and their effect on others or the self.
• Address the group’s values regarding autonomy.
• Examine unique life states and their effects on the psyche.
• Investigate sources of perception and stereotypes.
• Analyze this culture’s view of intelligence and methods of measure, and address any conflicts with traditional views and methods.
• Describe how the group’s cultural norms regulate an individual’s display of emotions.
• Explain cultural influences on decision-making.
• Provide examples of behavior that might arise based on the type of uncertainty avoidance in this cultural setting.
• Describe how cultural beliefs related to death might affect medical decisions and grieving.
• Discuss the cultural factors that influence one’s likelihood to seek social support in times of stress.
• What cultural factors influence the likelihood to conform, and in what situations?

Integrate concepts from the text, define all terminology, and document your sources. Follow the format of a three to five-page paper, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with one-inch margins, and appropriate APA citations.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected culture for this analysis is the Japanese culture, a society characterized by high-context communication, collectivist values, and a strong emphasis on social harmony. This paper examines Japan through the lens of cross-cultural psychology, focusing on how cultural dimensions influence psychological processes and behavior, with particular attention to predictions about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as social values related to mental health, communication, and decision-making.

Predictions based on Japan’s cultural background suggest that members of this society tend to prioritize group harmony, respect for authority, and conformist behaviors. For example, in terms of personality traits, Japanese individuals may score higher on agreeableness and neuroticism, reflecting tendencies toward social cohesion and emotional restraint, respectively (Takano & Tashiro, 2014). They are likely to demonstrate high levels of self-control and reluctance to express dissent publicly, driven by cultural norms that value indirect communication and maintaining face (Hofstede, 2001). In terms of psychological behaviors, Japanese individuals might perform better on tasks requiring perspective-taking and social conformity, aligning with their collectivist orientation and emphasis on interdependence (Markus & Kitayama, 1991).

The perception of psychological disorders in Japan reflects a nuanced understanding influenced by cultural norms. Mental health issues are often stigmatized, with a preference for somatic expression of distress over psychological explanation (Kirmayer & Minas, 2000). Traditional treatment methods tend to incorporate family involvement and community-based approaches, with a focus on harmony rather than confrontation (Tachikawa et al., 2017). For example, individuals suffering from depression may somaticize their symptoms, expressing fatigue or physical pain rather than emotional despair, which complicates diagnosis and treatment.

Communication patterns in Japanese culture are characterized by high-context, indirect, and context-dependent interactions. The use of subtle cues and the importance of non-verbal communication help maintain social harmony but can lead to misinterpretations for outsiders (Hall, 1976). These norms influence self-presentation, with individuals avoiding behaviors that may cause embarrassment or loss of face. Such norms also extend to decision-making processes, where consensus and harmony are prioritized over individual preferences, affecting various life choices and social interactions (Kawakami & Miura, 2018).

Values regarding autonomy are less emphasized in Japanese society, which fosters interdependence and collective well-being. This cultural orientation impacts how individuals approach moral decisions, often considering family and societal expectations over personal desires (Yamagishi & Yamagishi, 1994). Decision-making in Japan tends to be hierarchical and consensus-driven, reflecting respect for authority and social cohesion, which may sometimes result in conformity and reluctance to challenge group consensus (Nishida, 2013).

Considering these aspects, it is evident that Japan’s cultural norms foster behaviors that reinforce societal stability and cohesion but may also inhibit individual expression and mental health openness. Cross-cultural psychologists must recognize these influences when assessing psychological functioning and designing interventions. Future research should explore ways to reduce stigma and validate culturally sensitive mental health practices, encouraging more open dialogue and support systems within the societal framework (Han et al., 2010).

References

• Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications.
• Kawakami, N., & Miura, T. (2018). Cultural Dimensions and Decision-Making Processes in Japan. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 49(2), 246-265.
• Kirmayer, L. J., & Minas, H. (2000). The future of cultural psychiatry: An international perspective. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 45(7), 675-684.
• Markus, H. R., & Kitayama, S. (1991). Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation. Psychological Review, 98(2), 224-253.
• Nishida, M. (2013). Conformity and hierarchy in Japanese society: A psychocultural perspective. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 16(2), 72-83.
• Takano, Y., & Tashiro, N. (2014). Cultural influences on personality traits among Japanese and Americans. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 45(8), 1108-1122.
• Tachikawa, H., Murayama, S., & Tani, T. (2017). Integrative approaches to mental health treatment in Japan. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 71(10), 674-682.
• Yamagishi, T., & Yamagishi, M. (1994). Trust and commitment in the United States and Japan. Motivation and Emotion, 18(2), 129-166.