Happiness across cultures: Considering the relationship between general well-being and Hofstede's culture dimensions

Abstract

This paper examines the relationships between Hofstede's culture dimensions and happiness at both the country and individual levels. Study 1 was conducted with the scores of 60 countries obtained from open-source datasets. Results indicated that countries with lower collectivism and power distance scores had higher levels of happiness, after controlling for income level. Study 2, a survey-based research, tested the relationships between internalized culture dimensions by Turkish people living in Türkiye (n = 312) or Dutch people living in the Netherlands (n = 201) and happiness-related variables. After controlling for demographics, (i) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation, masculinity and power distance scores were more satisfied with their lives; (ii) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation score and lower power distance score had higher psychological well-being; (iii) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation and masculinity scores felt more grateful for the life they have. Additionally, (i) Dutch people with higher long-term orientation score had higher psychological well-being; (ii) Dutch people with lower power distance score felt more grateful for the life they have. The current studies demonstrate that, even after controlling for countries' income level and individuals' demographic characteristics, culture dimensions are associated with happiness at the country level in Study 1 and happiness-related variables at the individual level in Study 2. The results provide meaningful insights and practical implications for policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals who aim to enhance happiness through culturally sensitive approaches and to develop more sustainable social systems.