Speaker
Abstract section 5: References
Mesquita, B. (2022). Between Us: How Cultures Create Emotions (First Edition). W W Norton & Co Inc.
Hitokoto, H., & Uchida, Y. (2015). Interdependent Happiness: Theoretical Importance and Measurement Validity. Journal of Happiness Studies, 16(1), 211–239. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-014-9505-8
Oishi, S., Diener, E., & Lucas, R. E. (2009). The Optimum Level of Well-Being: Can People Be Too Happy? (pp. 175–200). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2350-6_8
Waldinger, R., & Schulz, M. (2023). The Good Life [Book]. Simon & Schuster
Abstract section 2: Contribution/research questions
- What are the beliefs and experiences of happiness of emerging bilingual bicultural Japanese people?
- To what extent does study abroad impact beliefs about happiness?
Abstract section 1: Relevance
It is generally understood that identity is culturally and socially constructed and that our emotional selves are born out of our contexts (Mesquita, 2022). It is accepted that when we travel or live overseas, we may experience some culture shock and depending on the length of and integration during our sojourn, we may experience a shift in our beliefs and practices. To what extent do our emotional selves mirror this process? Greater insight into students’ happiness helps educators understand emotional feedback on classroom activities, and the gives them the potential to design pedagogical spaces that expand emotional expressive possibilities.
Abstract section 3: Content/method
67 Japanese students labeled as "emerging bilingua-culturals" due to their investment in learning the English language completed a Q-sort (an activity where a series of statements is sorted onto a grid with reference to degrees of agreement) concerning beliefs about happiness. Subsequently, 11 Japanese students who had returned from 6+ months of studying abroad in an English-speaking country were asked to attend a follow-up interview. Transcripts were inductively, structurally coded for thematic analysis.
Abstract section 4: Outcomes/results
Research into the nature of happiness in Japan concludes that interdependent “shared happiness” (Hitokoto & Uchida, 2015) is valued over individual happiness. Although this may be true, thematic analysis of 12 interviews revealed that the meaning of “shared happiness” in Japan is very different to what participants experienced as “shared happiness” abroad. In addition, although “relationships” are widely cited as the greatest predictor of an individual’s overall well-being (Waldinger, 2023), data analysis of participant interviews reveals that what is expected from relationships in Japan may be somewhat different to what is expected from the relationships discussed in Anglo-generated research.
| Title | Perspectives on Happiness to Inform Pedagogical Practice |
|---|---|
| Teaching Context | College and university education |