Working through shame with an intercultural couple in Japan: Transforming negative emotional interactions and expanding positive emotional resources

摘要

Abstract Japan is often described as an intricate yet contradictory society in which the elements of the most advanced technologies and ancient cultural traditions coexist. Social cohesion rooted in uniformity and ethnic purity has long been the implicit, normative ideal in Japan, while diversity as intrinsic value is still a relatively new concept. In this monocultural milieu, intercultural couples often encounter issues associated with culturally‐bound notions of gender roles and the societal pressure to conform to the implicit cultural ideal. The distress of unresolved past emotional injuries may also surface, which often results in the couple getting stuck in negative emotional cycles. This paper will discuss the case of Yoko and Frank, who were treated with an affect‐focused approach in which their emotional conflicts, particularly their feelings of shame, were worked through while each partner developed their self‐ and other‐emotion regulating capacity. The therapist also helped the couple develop new patterns of positive emotional interaction.