The Relationship Between Psychological Well-Being and Social Interaction: Reconstructing Social Exchange Theory in a Cross-Cultural Perspective

Adebayo Oluwatosin; Didit Darmawan

Authors

Adebayo Oluwatosin Obafemi Awolowo University
Didit Darmawan University of Sunan Giri Surabaya

Keywords:

cultural norms, collectivism, individualism, psychological well-being, social exchange theory, social interaction, cross-culture

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between collectivist and individualist cultural norms and the quality of social interactions and psychological well-being, and modifies the framework of social exchange theory to explain cross-cultural variations in these phenomena. In individualist societies, happiness tends to be associated with personal achievement and self-expression, while in collectivist cultures, well-being is more influenced by social roles and group harmony. Although social exchange theory focuses on benefits and costs in interpersonal relationships, this framework needs to be adjusted to encompass broader social dimensions, such as solidarity and sacrifice in collectivist cultures. As such, the theory should be more sensitive to cultural differences, both in terms of personal achievement and social contribution. Such adjustments will enhance understanding of the reciprocal relationship between social interaction and psychological well-being across different cultural contexts. The findings provide insights for researchers and practitioners in developing more adaptive approaches to psychological well-being in an increasingly connected and multicultural world.

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