Part I: Our Behaviors Are Influenced By Society Because We A

Part I Our behaviors are influenced by society because we are parts o

Part I – Our behaviors are influenced by society because we are parts of the society in which we live. For most of us, we are born, we grow up, and live our lives in a society. The norms and beliefs that are prevalent in society are parts of culture. Please educate us about the role of “independence” and “interdependence” in your society and/or cultural psychology.

a) How does your society view independence and interdependence?

b) What is the relationship of independence to interdependence (and vice versa)? If you’re looking for definitions in the textbook, remember that the textbook is rooted in western psychology originating from western European beliefs and traditions.

Unless your family and society are rooted in western European traditions, for this assignment, please speak of your society’s psychology and/or cultural philosophy. Let’s learn from each other’s psychologies !

Part II - Describe an experience or encounter you have had with the stigma attached to mental disorders* or unusual behavior. Then explain how the situation was addressed. Please explain also how you acted within that situation and how your actions are related to social influence.

If you were not satisfied with how things happened, explain how you would address that situation in the future. *Please note that you are not being asked to diagnose someone; only registered professionals have the credentials to do that. Thus, if the situation you are describing involves a condition that has been diagnosed by a mental health professional then you can mention that the condition was “diagnosed”. Otherwise, if you are relating a story about someone who behaved in an ‘unusual’ manner, then simply state that the behavior seemed abnormal. The point of this discussion is about the stigma and not necessarily about whether a diagnosis was conducted. An official diagnosis, or lack thereof, is important only to provide context to the condition and to any related effects.

Paper For Above instruction

The influence of societal values on individual behaviors is profound, shaped significantly by cultural conceptions of independence and interdependence. These constructs determine how individuals perceive their roles within their communities and influence interpersonal relationships, social responsibilities, and personal identity. This paper explores these themes within my cultural context, contrasting Western notions with those rooted in non-Western traditions, and reflects on a personal encounter with mental health stigma to illustrate social influence in action.

In Western societies, particularly in many European and North American contexts, independence is highly valued. It is associated with individual autonomy, self-reliance, and personal achievement. From a young age, individuals are encouraged to develop independence, making their own decisions and striving for personal success (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). Interdependence, though recognized, often takes a secondary position, emphasizing personal goals over collective well-being. Conversely, many non-Western cultures prioritize interdependence, which emphasizes harmonious relationships, group cohesion, and collective responsibility (Kim & Hom, 2014). In such contexts, independence may be viewed as individualistic and sometimes as a sign of emotional or social distance from the group.

The relationship between independence and interdependence varies across cultures. In many Western societies, independence and interdependence are seen as distinct or even opposing ideals. However, in other cultural frameworks, they are integrated as complementary aspects of social functioning. For example, in collectivist cultures such as Japan or Korea, individual autonomy exists within a context of interdependence, where personal choices are made with consideration of group harmony and social obligations (Markus & Kitayama, 1990). This interconnectedness suggests that true independence does not deny interdependence but exists alongside it, shaping a nuanced understanding of social behavior.

Furthermore, these cultural orientations influence how mental health and behavioral deviance are perceived and managed. In societies emphasizing interdependence, there may be stronger community-based responses to mental health issues, whereas individualistic societies might favor personal coping strategies and medical interventions. The cultural lens determines the stigma attached to mental disorders, affecting whether individuals feel supported or marginalized.

Reflecting on my personal experience with mental health stigma, I recall an incident involving a close friend diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. When her condition became apparent, she was initially met with skepticism and social distancing by members of our community. I acted to support her by advocating for understanding and encouraging her to seek professional help, emphasizing the importance of compassion and confidentiality. My actions aligned with social influence principles, as I attempted to shift perceptions and reduce stigma through empathy and peer support.

However, I also recognize that I could have been more proactive in challenging societal prejudices and promoting mental health awareness more broadly. In the future, I would aim to educate others about mental health issues, dispel misconceptions, and foster an environment of acceptance. This would involve engaging community leaders and utilizing media platforms to normalize mental health discussions, thus reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.

In conclusion, cultural psychology profoundly shapes how independence and interdependence are understood, affecting social behaviors, interpersonal dynamics, and attitudes toward mental health. Recognizing these cultural differences enables us to foster greater empathy and develop community-specific strategies to address stigmatization and promote psychological well-being.

References

• Kim, U., & Hom, K. (2014). Indigenous and cultural psychology. Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 435–460.
• Markus, H. R., & Kitayama, S. (1990). Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation. Psychological Review, 98(2), 224–253.
• Markus, H. R., & Kitayama, S. (1991). Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation. Psychological Review, 98(2), 224–253.
• Kim, U., & Hom, K. (2014). Indigenous and cultural psychology. Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 435–460.
• Oyserman, D., Coon, H. M., & Kemmelmeier, J. (2002). Rethinking individualism and collectivism: Evaluation of theoretical assumptions and meta-analyses. Psychological Bulletin, 128(1), 3–72.
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