Disorders of Interdependence in Japan

J. H. Nathan
pp. 176-187.

Abstract

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