Why Power Decreases Happiness in a Collectivist Context? A Qualitative Study

In the Western settings, power positively predicted happiness (e.g., Kifer et al. 2013 ). Though, this result may not be generalized across cultures as cultural psychologists recognized that interdependence is more important in collectivist cultures. Consistent with this conjecture, Datu and Reyes (...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.) N.J.), 2017-03, Vol.36 (1), p.14-21
Main Authors: Datu, Jesus Alfonso D., Reyes, Jose Alberto S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Happiness
Power (Philosophy)
Psychological aspects
Psychology
Qualitative research
Social Sciences
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Summary:In the Western settings, power positively predicted happiness (e.g., Kifer et al. 2013 ). Though, this result may not be generalized across cultures as cultural psychologists recognized that interdependence is more important in collectivist cultures. Consistent with this conjecture, Datu and Reyes ( 2014 ) assessed the relations among power, relations, and happiness in the Philippine setting which revealed that power negatively predicted happiness. However, not much is known on why power could potentially reduce happiness in collectivist cultures. Thus, the current investigation employed qualitative research to offer in-depth explanations on why power may be associated with lower happiness in a collectivist setting. Findings revealed three major themes that characterized reasons on why power may decrease happiness in an interdependent context: a.) Power impairs relationship ; b.) Power evokes negative judgments from others ; and c.) Power comes with a great responsibility . The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
ISSN:1046-1310
1936-4733
DOI:10.1007/s12144-015-9380-4