Cultural dimensions, socioeconomic development, climate, and emotional hedonic level

A research synthesis was conducted with four studies which correlated natio nal mean self-ratings of affect balance (positive minus negative affect) an d subjective well-being with the nations' cultural characteristics (individ ualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, and power-distance national sco res on Hofstede's dimensions), socioeconomic development (Human Development Index), and climate (absolute latitude). A meta-analysis of these collecti ve level cross-cultural studies shows that individualism correlates positiv ely with affect balance and subjective well-being, controlling for socioeco nomic development, cultural femininity, power-distance, uncertainty avoidan ce, and climate. Similar results were found for individual-level data. The meaning of collective-level or national means of individual self-reports of affect balance is discussed.