中華心理學刊
民94 ， 47 卷， 2 期， 99-112

Luo Lu（Department of Psychology, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taiwan）

Abstract

In the present paper, we took the position that cultural conceptions of happiness are critical aspects of SWB, which has largely been neglected thus far. We argued that culture and SWB are most productively analyzed together as a dynamic of mutual constitution. Adopting a cultural psychological approach, we selectively
reviewed our own indigenous Chinese research to illuminate on two evolving themes regarding SWB: (1) conceptions of happiness, and (2) cultural correlates of happiness. We have shown that distinct characteristics of the conception of happiness are prevalent in Chinese and Western cultures, which can be systematically analyzed, discerned, and measured. The individual-oriented Euro-American cultural conception of SWB is composed of two distinct characteristics: personal accountability and explicit pursuit. In contrast, the
social-oriented East Asian cultural conception of SWB is composed of two distinct characteristics: role obligations and dialectical balance. We have also demonstrated that culture can impact on the SWB process through diverse self conceptions and their consonant beliefs. These self-regulatory mechanisms then determine how people think, feel and behave in the pursuit of SWB. Finally, we have underlined the emerging coexistence of contrasting cultural rudiments in the case of SWB. 

Keywords: happiness, SWB, cultural psychology