The Relationship between Mental Processes and Japan’s Unique Communication Style of Aisou

Abstract

People have negative impressions of those who respond in an unfriendly manner, while those who are amiable garner positive impressions. In this study, a unique Japanese interpersonal posture of amiability was considered as a type of communication style, and an original “ Aisounoyosa scale” (amiability scale) was developed. The relationships between amiable communication style and an individual’s mental processes, including compassion, narcissism, regulatory focus and shyness were examined. Among the amiability measures, “positive verbal and non-verbal behavior” was shown to be influenced by three internal processes: compassion, passive shyness and the benefit approach, while “consideration and kindness to others” and “interest and approach to others” were influenced by compassion and passive shyness. The results of this study suggest that the internal process of compassion is deeply related to and influences amiable communication style.

Keywords

Interpersonal communication / personality / aisou

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