In an interview, SMU Associate Professor of Psychology William Tov shared how his growing up years influenced his interest in cultural differences, which eventually led him to become a psychology professor at SMU. He explained how cultural differences may shape an individual’s happiness. A majority of his research is concentrated on comparisons between the Western cultures and East Asian cultures. He hopes to gain a better understanding of other non-Asian and non-Western countries and cultures, and how their well-being is shaped by their environment and by their social practices.