Japanese remain calm in face of losses.

• Position: YOUR LIFE - Brief article

The Japanese have impressed the world with the relative calm and order they have maintained in the aftermath of one of the world's worst natural disasters. A profound way in which people across cultural groups differ markedly. cultural psychology demonstrates, is in how they think of themselves. "People in collectivistic cultures, relative to those in individualistic cultures, are more likely to endorse behaviors that increase group cohesion and interdependence," explains Joan Chiao, assistant professor of psychology at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.

Consistent with a collectivistic ethos or way of being, the Japanese have responded to the tragedy by helping each other in a way that puts a higher premium on the group than the individual. This collectivistic response likely will minimize the mental health costs of being hit by a colossal earthquake, followed by a tsunami and nuclear threats. "By...