Where Do My Emotions Belong

The most prevalent and intense emotional experiences differ across cultures. For example, in cultures that value self-assertion within relationships, anger experiences are more frequent and more intense than in cultures that value social harmony. Emotional experiences also change as a result of their contact with another culture, so called 'emotional acculturation'. This socio-cultural shaping of emotions continues throughout the life span: research on the emotional acculturation of adult immigrant minorities suggests that when immigrants spend time with people from the new culture, their feelings become more alike. What are the consequences of emotional fit and misfit for personal and social wellbeing? And in how far do emotions sustain and reproduce culture?

Batja Mesquita is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Leuven and Director of the Leuven Culture and Emotion Lab. She has investigated the role of culture in emotions, leading to the development of a socio-cultural theory of emotions. She originally worked with Nico Frijda at the University of Amsterdam, and since then has worked at the University of Michigan and Stanford University.

This program is a collaboration with City Central and the Honours College of the University of Groningen.