When Cultural Norms Backfire: The Psychological Costs of Objective Self-Construal In Japan

We surveyed 422 Japanese adults to examine how Subjective, Objective, and Autonomous Self-Construal predict mental health. Regression analyses showed SS and AS enhanced self-esteem and well-being, whereas OS increased distress and insomnia. These findings identify OS as a culturally reinforced but psychologically costly selfway.