Differences between cultures in emotional verbal and non-verbal reactions

In this research the relationship between a series of cultural dimensions a nd the emotional verbal and non verbal reactions in three prototypical emot ions (joy, anger and sadness) will be analyzed. Results show that Asians ha s a stronger normative system of emotional display rules than other groups. They also show lower gender differences. In order to predict lower emotion al verbal and non verbal expression the most important cultural dimension i s cultural masculinity. High power distance cultures foster emotional react ions which respect and legitimize status differences. This dimension also p redicts a lower verbal expression of negative emotions. On the other hand, Uncertainty Avoidance is not generally associated to a high emotional expre ssion. Finally. Communicating good feelings to other people is more typical of collectivistic and high power distance countries.