Cross-Cultural Differences in the Links Between Familial Support and Strain in Married and Single Adults' Well-Being

Abstract

Single adults face greater stigmatization and report poorer well-being compared to those who are married, but most research has focused on Western samples. In a two-wave combined sample of 4746 Americans and Japanese participants, we showed that singles, regardless of cultural background, reported poorer health and life satisfaction. Married adults, particularly Americans, reported higher family support, which was indirectly related to higher well-being. Both single Americans and Japanese reported greater familial strain; however, strain was significantly associated with lower well-being only among Americans. These findings extend the understanding of singlehood and well-being to an Asian context and emphasize the unique roles of familial support and strain.