Traditionally accurate perception of self has been thought as essential for mental health. Some researchers argue, in contrast, that self-serving biases (i.e., tendencies to view oneself in unrealistically optimistic and positive term) are characteristic of normal human thought. Self-enhancement is one of the most reliable findings in Western cultures. However, the tendency to assume universality in psychological processes often results in the neglect of important cultural factors. In fact, many cross-cultural studies have found little or no such self-serving bias in Japan. Existing evidence suggests that relation between mental health and self may depend upon culture, and relational self rather than isolated self may be more significant for considering mental health in Japanese culture.
Japanese Journal of Social Psychology 11 (2), 134-144, 1995
The Japanese Society of Social Psychology
