Interdependent Happiness and Age across Costa Rica, Japan, and the Netherlands

Interdependent Happiness encompassing interpersonal harmony, quiescence and ordinariness, was measured from stratified samples of Costa Rica, Japan, and the Netherlands general population. We hypothesized that the culturally sensitive measure of well-being as interdependent happiness would increase through ones development if the culture matches with the measure, while culturally neutral item of well-being would not follow such a pattern. The results supported the prediction, and interdependent happiness scale showed positive correlation with age in Costa Rica and Japan, while showing non-significant negative correlation in the Netherlands, even after controlling for gender, household income level in a nation and subjective health condition. We discuss on the possibility and implication of how culturally sensitive approach to well-being can demonstrate diversity in flourishing.