We were honored to host Professor Mohsen Joshanloo from Keimyung University for a special lecture titled “Exploring Cultural Perspectives on Well-Being.” Professor Joshanloo presented a talk entitled “An Integrative Framework for Understanding Cultural Variations in Well-Being.”
In his lecture, Professor Joshanloo introduced an integrative framework for understanding the diversity of well-being concepts across cultures. Drawing on both empirical research and philosophical traditions, he highlighted four major dimensions along which cultural differences in well-being often emerge: hedonism versus virtue ethics, self-enhancement versus self-transcendence, independence versus interdependence, and decontextualization versus contextualization. Using examples from Western individualistic societies and non-Western collectivist cultures, he illustrated how ideals such as authenticity and harmony shape distinct pathways to well-being. He also discussed models such as interdependent happiness and Indigenous holistic frameworks, emphasizing the importance of incorporating diverse cultural perspectives into psychological theories of well-being.
The lecture attracted approximately 100 participants, both online and in person, from Japan and various countries around the world, reflecting a strong interest in well-being research from a cultural psychology perspective.
Professor Joshanloo emphasized that while Western models continue to dominate, non-Western approaches remain deeply relevant for many people worldwide, calling for a more culturally inclusive understanding of human flourishing.
