Abstract

The present study was to investigate the psychological characteristics of Urie(義理; interpersonal morality) in Korean interpersonal relationships in terms of qualitative approach and quantitative approach. In study 1, the authors developed an open-ended questionnaire focused on Urie behavior and not Urie behavior. The results revealed that helping, trusting, and caring behaviors and historicality were the key elements of Urie relationships. On the other hand, selfish and distrusting behaviors disrupted Urie relationships. In study 2, the authors conducted video experiment in order to study how the subjects interpret and understand Urie phenomenon. This video stimulus composed of love and friendship. The main characters showed their conflicts between love and friendship. Thus, subjects were asked to answer their interpretations and understandings about what was going on according to the scene. In study 3, we made three kinds of scenarios which were constituted in conflict situation between close friends who works together at their own company. If one asks some favors to you against social justice, how do you do? Most subjects evaluated the whistle blowing behavior as moral and just. However, they evaluated the insider as not good friend. They evaluated one who did favor even though that behavior was socially unjust as good friend and having Urie. Consequently, Korean people emphasize on their human relationships in everyday life. Urie relationship is built in close and Cheong relationship.