Self-Silencing and Well-Being among Turkish Women

Abstract

“Silencing the Self” theory (STST; Jack, 1991) posits that societal devaluation of female–related self promotes self–silencing among women in romantic relationships and thereby threatens their well–being. A cultural psychological (CP) perspective suggests that these dynamics may reflect the location of STST in cultural worlds that promote “independent” constructions of self. Drawing upon a CP analysis, the present study considers the hypothesis that implications of silence for well–being may be less damaging in Turkish settings that promote more “interdependent” constructions of self. Consistent with this hypothesis, but inconsistent with previous research, results of a survey study revealed that two dimensions of Silencing the Self Scale—self–silencing and care as self–sacrifice— were unrelated to relationship satisfaction and depression. Discussion considers implications for women's silence and well-being in Turkish contexts.