Breathe
By Mariangela Rodríguez
Throughout my life, through work, academic and tourism experiences, one constant observation has accompanied me: I have always been struck by how easily we Latin Americans connect. It seems that, whenever we are outside our countries, we attract each other like magnets. These observations, among others, led me to ask myself: Do we Latin Americans have a special way of relating to each other?
I studied this issue in depth from the perspective of positive psychology and found interesting findings. Latin America is a region that has demonstrated, time and again, an extraordinary capacity for resilience. The socio-economic and political challenges we face as a society are well documented: a lower GDP per capita compared to Western Europe or the United States, weak political institutions, high levels of corruption, poverty, inequality and high rates of violence and crime.
However, there is what is known as the "Latin American well-being paradox", which points out how people report higher levels of subjective well-being than expected, despite these challenges. Little attention has been paid to understanding the factors that explain this paradox and contribute to the well-being of Latin Americans. Well-being in the region is understood and experienced in ways unique to its culture, giving rise to practices that not only sustain but also enhance life satisfaction, even in the face of hardship.
The role of relationships in the Latin American welfare paradox
Life satisfaction levels in Latin America tend to be surprisingly high given the challenges we face. This is demonstrated by initiatives such as the World Happiness Report, which shows that in several countries in the region, these levels are similar to those of developed countries. For example, Costa Rica, which in this year's report ranks 12th in the world, has an average life satisfaction score of 6.9, similar to that of Austria and Canada. Mexico and Uruguay, with an average of 6.6, have the same score as France. In addition, El Salvador, Chile, Panama, Brazil and Nicaragua have scores similar to those of Spain, Italy and Poland.
Another important finding is that the experience of positive emotions (such as joy, enjoyment and interest) is notably high in Latin America. Generally, countries in the region appear in the top positions when rankings are created based on the experience of positive affect.
But how can these findings be explained? Further exploration indicates that the abundance and quality of close interpersonal relationships, along with their importance in Latin America, can be considered an essential factor contributing to the experience of high levels of positive emotions and life satisfaction. People highly value interpersonal relationships and devote significant time and resources to cultivating them. The family, both nuclear and extended, plays a key role in Latin American societies. The importance of relationships extends to friends and colleagues. They tend to have a particular focus and are guided by expectations of closeness, warmth and enjoyment. They are primarily a source of positive affection and purpose in life.
This is not to say that the complex issues facing Latin countries should be underestimated. These challenges definitely affect the well-being of Latin Americans: life satisfaction decreases with the perception of corruption, economic hardship and exposure to violence. However, it seems that these challenges are not enough to have a significant impact on well-being levels in the region as a whole. Latin America's social fabric protects and strengthens overall well-being.
Are we aware of this cultural strength?
After studying the subject, new questions arise: Do we Latin Americans recognize the importance of interpersonal relationships as a strength, or do we take them for granted? In a context where loneliness has become an epidemic in regions such as the United States and Europe, could this cultural characteristic protect us in our countries? And, furthermore, should we be more proactive in promoting these connections as collective resources, especially among children and youth?
I am convinced that interpersonal relationships are a social asset that we must preserve. Although progress is needed in economic and technological terms, the evidence underscores the importance of promoting and maintaining human connections as an essential part of human progress.
This is where events such as Hope Circuit, to be held in Mexico City on November 23-24, take on great relevance. Leaders such as Dr. Martin Seligman, one of the world's most influential psychologists, and other personalities will explore how positive relationships and communities are fundamental to the advancement of humanity. In times as complex as the ones we live in, learning innovative ideas that help us move from hopelessness to positive action is key.
Promoting these ideas in organizations, communities and schools is essential for mental health. Human relationships and a sense of community are the driving force behind many social, educational and wellness movements.
The key is to imagine new realities, connect with others and act with intentionality. Latino cultures, with their strong emphasis on human connections, offer a powerful example of how to flourish even in the face of the greatest challenges. How can we harness this strength to drive well-being and progress? Creating safe spaces where empathy, collaboration and hope are fostered is essential to building healthier, more resilient societies.
BIO
Mariangela Rodríguez is a psychologist graduated from the Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, with postgraduate studies in Systemic Family Therapy. She is a specialist and coach in positive psychology and has a Master's Degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.
She is passionate about accompanying young people and adults in processes of transformation and personal growth. Mariangela runs a private therapy and coaching practice based on positive psychology, where she helps her clients take control of their well-being. In addition, she co-directs integral wellness programs within the Instituto de Bienestar Integral.
Colombian by birth, Mariangela has lived in Mexico City for nine years with her husband and two children.
IBI
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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