Since there is positive self-talk in Japan, it is often argued that the Japanese have low self-esteem, low well being, and are generally a bunch of mixed up, paranoid, depressed, downtrodden people.
But their lack of self-talk combined with this research points in the opposite direction.
Japanese children are never put in a room on their own in the dark, until they want such a room, but sleep until they are about 10 with their parents. They are the centre of the home and never required to be "seen and not heard." They do not have an Oeidipus complex, and as a result have less cultural induced anxiety. They are a happy bunch of people that do not talk, I think, and it would be good to be able to prove it before they destroy themselves and their culture aspiring after Western whispering!
Interesting points Tim! It would be cool to study Japanese youth and adults who are unhappy, overly stressed, socially isolated, or suffer from specific mental issues or disorders to see if they report more frequent self-talk. This would be a good cross-cultural test of the social isolation and cognitive disruption hypotheses.
Thanks Tom. I will see if I can find some Japanese students with mental issues. It may be impossible, but I will ask our school counsellor.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Psychology
- Emotional Psychology
- Happiness