Why Power does not Guarantee Happiness across Cultures

Abstract

Recent literature has shown that power enhances happiness in the Western context. However, it is likely that this may only hold true in cultures that promote independent and autonomous expression of self. For those in collectivist contexts, it is argued that power could reduce happiness since power can thwart them from achieving relationship harmony. The current paper presents research on the psychological effects of power on happiness carried out in the Western context and the Philippine context. Future directions towards developing a culturally-sensitive theory of power are also elucidated.