High School

There are cross-cultural differences in how self-conscious emotions are induced. Japanese children, compared with U.S. children, are ______ as a consequence of personal success.

A. More likely to express pride
B. Less likely to express pride
C. More likely to express shame
D. Less likely to express shame

Answer :

Japanese children, in contrast to U.S. children, are less likely to express pride due to personal success, because collectivistic cultures like Japan emphasize interdependence and emotional restraint. The correct answer is c) More likely to express shame.

Japanese children, compared with U.S. children, are less likely to express pride as a consequence of personal success. This can be understood by examining the cultural context of each society. In more collectivistic cultures like Japan, there is an emphasis on emotional restraint and interdependence, which encourages individuals to not stand out and discourages open expressions of pride. On the other hand, individualistic cultures like the United States place more value on autonomy and personal achievements, leading to a greater likelihood to show pride. The correct answer is c) More likely to express shame.

In accordance with the models of self that vary across cultures, in North American, independent contexts, feelings about the self matter more; whereas in East Asian, interdependent contexts, feelings about others are equally or more significant. Research, such as that conducted by Akimoto & Sanbinmatsu (1999), supports this distinction by illustrating how cultural norms dictate when and how self-conscious emotions like pride and shame are taught and expressed.