Abstract Beliefs, which are deeply shaped by cultural norms, play a central role in well‐being, with belief in a just world (BJW) serving as a vital psychological resource. Yet, it remains unclear how cultural norms shape such beliefs and, in turn, influence emotional and psychosocial well‐being. Across four studies ( N = 2324), we examined the interplay among cultural tightness, BJW and well‐being using surveys, cultural priming and longitudinal designs. Studies 1a–1d showed that BJW mediated the relationship between perceived tightness and well‐being across different cultures and time periods. Studies 2a‐2c provided causal evidence that tight (vs. loose) priming enhanced well‐being through increased BJW. Study 3a revealed a sequential pathway from perceived tightness to personal BJW, to general BJW and finally to well‐being. Study 3b, using a longitudinal design, revealed that personal BJW was more flexible and responsive to change, whereas general BJW was more stable and predictive of psychosocial well‐being. Together, these findings highlight a dynamic pathway linking culture, belief and well‐being, offering new theoretical and empirical insights into the role of BJW in supporting emotional and psychological well‐being across ecologically and culturally diverse settings.
Wang et al. (Sun,) studied this question.