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Article published In: Explored but not Assumed: Revisiting Commonalities in Asian Pacific Communication
Edited by Hui-Ching Chang and Ling Chen
[Journal of Asian Pacific Communication 25:1] 2015
► pp. 22–41

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Embracing cultural similarities and bridging differences in supportive communication

 | University of Minnesota Duluth
Published online: 15 June 2015
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https://doi.org/10.1075/japc.25.1.02fen
This paper critically reviews cultural similarities and differences between European Americans and Asians or Asian Americans found in contemporary supportive communication research. In addition to research primarily examining and reporting cultural differences of social support between European Americans and Asians or Asian Americans, recent research in culture and social support has been focusing on examining both cultural similarities and differences. Broad similarities across cultures have been found regarding evaluations of support provision goals, messages, behaviors, ratings of support provision beliefs, attitudes, and intentions, likelihood of seeking support and so forth. These findings therefore provide us an alternative lens to examine supportive communication across cultures: rather than highlighting cultural differences, we instead want to attend to both cultural similarities and differences. Theoretically, this transition allows us to have a comprehensive understanding about support processes across cultures. Practically, this change of focus provides bridging opportunities and helps enhance understanding between European Americans and Asians or Asian Americans during supportive interactions.
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2017. Considering Cultural Factors in Emerging Adult Use of Communication Technologies. International Journal of Information Communication Technologies and Human Development 9:3 ► pp. 14 ff. DOI logo

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