Sustainability and Social Justice

Contrasting Some Japanese and English Positive Emotions: The Nature of Feeling

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This paper uses the method of "conceptual encounter" to examine the meanings of three of the most common Japanese terms for positive emotions. It contrasts the emotional experiences suggested by these terms with the experiences that are suggested by the English terms that are used as equivalents. The method appears to be successful in revealing the similarities and differences in how some positive emotional experiences are constructed in the different cultures. The results suggest that the differences in what is felt and labeled as emotion may be understood if we regard emotions as involving personal transformations in the Western and the Japanese self.

Publication Title

Psychologia

Publication Date

12-1-2005

Volume

48

Issue

4

First Page

241

Last Page

253

ISSN

0033-2852

DOI

10.2117/psysoc.2005.241

Keywords

cross-cultural, emotions, joy, positive affect

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