This paper presents the topic of emotion as it related to culture and psychology. Included in the discussion is the impact of culture on emotions. Emotions have personal meaning that can vary in interpretation when considered by culture. Feelings and their association to self are created in part by sociological contexts that are defined by culture (Hartmann, 2001). Emotional experience and expression are shaped by culture as are cognitions. Also included in the discussion is the interpretation of emotions with cognitive psychology. Emotions have meaning that can vary in interpretation when considered by area of psychology. Today's cognitive psychologist considers both the cognitive and emotion schemas. Thus the effects of culture and psychology on the interpretation of emotions will be presented followed by conclusions.
Emotions and their expression are an important part of life and they are influenced by culture. Matsumoto and Juang (2004) stated that there may be universal experiences of emotion, however studies also show that there are differences in the experience of emotion according to culture with differences in subjective feeling, psychological symptoms, and behavioral reactions. Matsumoto and Juang (2004) reported that not only are there differences in the experience of emotions but they differ in their expression; in particular facial expression varies according to culture. Thus while there may be additional factors that influence emotion and its expression such as biological innateness, culture must be considered as well (Matsumoto & Juang, 2004).
Matsumoto and Juang (2004) noted that there are cultural display rules that account for the differences in emotional expression according to culture. These rules guide emotional expression in social circumstances. Individuals are socialized at an early age regarding the rules and by adulthood they are automatic. Matsumoto and Juang (2004) stated that empiric...