Does Culture Really Have a Role in Self-Construal?
Sammanfattning
Self-construal predicts how individuals view themselves in relation to others
in their social context. Three possible self-construals (independent, interdependent and
metapersonal) are discussed. The aim of this study was to investigate (a) if there are
inter-individual differences in self-construal within the Swedish society and (b)
between Swedes and North Americans and (c) if personality could account for these
inter-individual differences. The sample consisted of 60 individuals (34 females, 26
males) residing either in Sweden or the United States of America. The findings showed
no significant differences in self-construal between the three experimental groups. In
addition, a negative association between the personality trait agreeableness and
interdependent self-construal was observed. The results question the functional
relevance of cultural background within a specific culture in relation to the concept of
self-construal.
Examinationsnivå
Student essay