Cross-cultural differences in self-conscious emotions

The construction of the self varies as a function of culture (Markus & Kitayama, 1998). Differences in independent vs. interdependent selves may influence the nature and functions of self-conscious emotions, such as shame, guilt, and pride. Recent research in the United States has shown that shame proneness is often maladaptive and painful, while feelings of guilt and pride are adaptive and desirable (Tangney, 1995). Results from the present study comparing 144 Japanese and 495 U.S. children indicated that Japanese children tend to be more shame prone and experience less pride than U.S. children. However, shame-prone children in both cultures were inclined to feel angered and blame others. Some cultural differences in the degree and correlates of the experiences of guilt and pride were also observed.