Cultural norms shape how aggression manifests and influence mental health and therapeutic approaches. In the United States, a low-context, individualistic culture encourages direct, active aggression, evident in assertive communication, political polarization, and high prevalence of anxiety, depression, and workplace stress. This promotion of open confrontation makes the U.S. conflict-prone, both domestically and internationally.

Japan, a high-context, collectivist society, also promotes aggression, but indirectly. Social pressure, hierarchical expectations, and suppression of personal desires channel aggression into psychological and relational forms, such as workplace harassment, social exclusion, and passive-aggressive behavior. This has led to observations of culturally ingrained tendencies toward covert, sadistic-like manipulation, while overt conflict is avoided, making Japan conflict-avoidant despite latent aggression.

Romania exhibits a mixed pattern: moderate directness combined with social resilience, resulting in collective expressions of frustration, such as protests, but generally lower interpersonal aggression.

These cultural dynamics inform mental health outcomes and therapy: structured, action-oriented therapies (CBT, DBT) suit the U.S., while reflective, relational approaches (mindfulness, interpersonal therapy, ACT) align with Japan. Romania benefits from practical, narrative, and community-based interventions.

Flavia Atanasiu is an Organizational, Clinical, and Military Psychologist specializing in work with individuals and couples. She earned her B.S. in Psychology in Japan and a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Bucharest. With over six years of national and international counseling experience, she is trained in client-centered Rogerian psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, CBT, and family constellation therapy for both individual and organizational contexts. Fluent in Romanian, English, Spanish, and Japanese, she also integrates NLP, EMDR, and hypnotherapy to promote resilience, relaxation, and self-discovery. Flavia fosters a safe, nurturing environment where clients can heal and grow.