Does Culture Really Have a Role in Self-Construal?

Abstract

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.