ABSTRACT

One of the main divides between an individualist culture and a collectivist culture is the way in which people view the self in relation to others (Triandis, 1989). Whereas members of individualist cultures tend to view the self as autonomous and unique (i.e., they have an independent self-construal; Markus & Kitayama, 1991), members of collectivist cultures tend to view the self as inextricably and fundamentally embedded within a larger social network (i.e., they have an interdependent self-construal). The independent self-construal defines the individual in terms of characteristics that distinguish him or her from others, and is common to members of Western cultures who celebrate independence and creativity (e.g., U.S.). In contrast, the interdependent self-construal defines the individual in terms of relationships with respect to others, and is common among members of East Asian cultures (e.g., China, Japan), who value the fulfillment of obligations and responsibilities over personal desires or benefits (Markus & Kitayama, 1991; Singelis, 1994; Triandis, 1989).