A quantitative and qualitative approach to social relationships and well-being in the United States and Japan

This study examined associations between social relationships and psychological well-being through (a) quantitative analyses of surveys of representative samples ranging in age from 13 to 93 in the United States (N = 1498) and Japan (N = 1641) and (b) qualitative content analyses of 12 focus group discussions conducted separately with American and Japanese participants. Survey results revealed that having a spouse or a best friend was related more strongly to some aspects of psychological well-being in Japan than in the United States. Findings regarding the quality of social relationships were more mixed; some aspects of quality were related more strongly to well-being in Japan but others were related more strongly in the United States. Focus group participants described social relationships as influencing well-being by offering a sense of belonging, providing someone in whom to confide, making too many demands and not allowing enough independence, and affecting perceptions of success in relationships.

Duke Scholars

Author Jennifer Lansford Sanford School of Public Policy