Quieting the Ego Through Group Activities: A Thematic Analysis of Romanian and Japanese Students’ Positive Group Experiences

Claudia Gherghel (), Dorin Nastas and Takeshi Hashimoto
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Claudia Gherghel: Shizuoka University
Dorin Nastas: Al. I. Cuza University
Takeshi Hashimoto: Shizuoka University

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2018, vol. 19, issue 5, No 3, 1283-1303

Abstract: Abstract Research suggests that quieting the ego (reducing excessive self-focus) can foster well-being. Two exploratory qualitative studies were carried out to investigate the features of ego-quieting group activities. Romanian (N = 140) and Japanese participants (N = 99) read a definition of “self-detachment” and answered several open-ended questions asking them to describe a group situation in which they had experienced a similar state. Thematic analysis showed numerous similarities between the responses of the two samples, as well as cultural-specific features. Participants recalled moments of enjoyment in the company of friends, or challenging group work. For the Romanian sample, the experience was characterized by present-oriented attention, valuing others, positivity, disinhibition and altered perceptions, while for the Japanese sample, valuing others, stress relief, matching challenge and skill and merging self with exterior world were its prevalent features. Both samples identified similar eliciting factors (individual receptiveness, acceptant group, captivating activity, appropriate environment) and similar consequences of the experience (increased closeness, relaxation and self-development). While supporting the existing literature on the importance of communal activities in reducing self-focus and promoting individual well-being, the paper provides new in-depth insights into participants’ subjective experiences and the cultural specifics of positive group activities.

Keywords: Quiet ego; Hypo-egoic; Group activity; Thematic analysis; Positive emotions; Flow (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-017-9872-z

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