The Western delusion? An examination of individualistic and extrinsic value systems in Western cultures and their link to young people’s psychological wellbeing

Authors: Ashley, Humphrey

Abstract

Various sources indicate that the mental health of young people is deteriorating in
Western populations. Yet, the potential contribution of prevalent Western cultural
values such as individualism and extrinsic values on the psychological wellbeing of
young people remains understudied. A survey of 18-25 year-olds (N=507) revealed
that vertical (but not horizontal) dimensions of individualistic values were associated
with poorer wellbeing in young people, while horizontal (but not vertical)
collectivistic values were associated with higher levels. Responses from a subsequent
qualitative study (N=50) indicated that individualistic and extrinsic values shape
young people’s decision-making and value orientations, and caused them significant
stress. This lead to a final intervention study (N=40) whereby young people were
exposed to content and activities that promoted collectivistic and intrinsic values in
order to shift their focuses away from individualistic and extrinsic values which
improved their wellbeing. The results of these studies highlight the importance of
taking into account cultural values such as individualistic and extrinsic values when
contemplating young people’s mental health.