Exploring emotion regulation and coping across cultures: Implications for happiness and loneliness

Abstract

Previous studies have documented cultural gaps in levels of well‐being, particularly within the contexts of individualistic and collectivistic nations. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the disparities remain incompletely understood. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to explore how cross‐cultural differences in the use of emotion regulation (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) and coping (problem‐focused and avoidant coping) predict health outcomes, specifically happiness and loneliness. As expected, the results of structural equation modelling demonstrated that American participants were more likely to use reappraisal and problem‐focused coping, both of which were positively associated with happiness but negatively linked to loneliness. In contrast, Japanese participants tended to lean toward suppression and avoidant coping, resulting in lower happiness and greater loneliness. Overall, the present findings affirm the substantial influence of cultural norms and values on regulatory strategies individuals employ in response to daily stressors, which are inextricably tied to human functioning.