Disorders
of Interdependence in Japan
J. H. Nathan |
There
now have been several studies of the phenomenology of Western personality
disorders in Japan. Although the results of these studies have been
interpreted to support the contention that concepts of Western personality
disorders can be appropriately employed in Japan, it is essential
that a consideration of the area is made from an emic perspective.
As the psychology of Japanese individuals is better conceived in
terms of interdependence than in terms of personality, longstanding
disorders of interpersonal functioning may be better understood as
disorders of interdependence than as personality disorders. Based
on literature review and ethnographic studies by the author, it is
proposed that there are six conditions which may represent disorders
of interdependence in Japan: taijinkyofusho, amaesugi, amayakashisugi,
utsu, wagamama, and mushinkei. The current knowledge in regards to
these conditions is presented, and prototypical descriptions of the
conditions are provided. Key words: interdependence, personality disorders, Japan, taijinkyofusho, amae |