This thesis examined the extent to which relationships between emotional experiences and aggressive behaviours in adolescents are affected by culture. While existing studies often compare... Show moreThis thesis examined the extent to which relationships between emotional experiences and aggressive behaviours in adolescents are affected by culture. While existing studies often compare individuals from different countries to study cultural influences, this thesis also took a between-country approach by comparing Dutch and Malaysian adolescents; groups that reflect individualistic and collectivistic cultures, respectively. Also, the effect of individualistic and collectivistic values at an individual level was examined. First, the outcomes show that many relationships were culturally universal. Regardless of country or cultural orientation, adolescents who had more problems with anger control tended to be more aggressive; and those who experienced intense anger, fear and shame were more often bullied. Also, guilt was related to less aggressive behaviours in both Malaysian and Dutch samples. Yet, this thesis also revealed country/cultural specific relationships. Whereas shame was related to more aggression in Dutch adolescents, the opposite was true for Malaysian adolescents.Remarkably, this thesis found that the traditional classification between individualistic Western countries and collectivistic Eastern countries was not fully supported when cultural values were assessed at individual levels. For example, while higher levels of shame were related to less aggressive behaviours in individualistic-oriented adolescents, the opposite was true for collectivistic-oriented adolescents. Show less
Cross-cultural research shows that cultural frameworks provide guidance on what to feel and when, and how to express emotions from a young age. These cultural variations can cause misinterpretation... Show moreCross-cultural research shows that cultural frameworks provide guidance on what to feel and when, and how to express emotions from a young age. These cultural variations can cause misinterpretation and misunderstanding and are especially relevant for ethnic minority groups, who may be described as living ‘in between’ cultures. This thesis examines the extent to which Moroccan-Dutch adolescents’ emotional functioning can be considered in between cultures. Their emotion awareness, acknowledgment of social emotions, anger regulation, and anger communication was compared with those of their Dutch peers and with those of their peers living in Morocco. The thesis also addresses the adaptiveness of these aspects of emotional functioning in terms of psychological functioning. The results reveal that, overall, Moroccan-Dutch adolescents’ emotional functioning shows more similarities with that of their Dutch than their Moroccan peers. Although these ‘Dutch’ emotion patterns do not always seem adaptive for Moroccan-Dutch adolescents’ psychological wellbeing, the findings suggest that their emotional functioning in peer situations is a product of the Dutch culture. Show less
