Cultural differences in self-concept: A differentiation scheme

Die Diplom-Psychologin Daniela Gröschke setzt mit ihrem Aritkel auf Hofstedes Kulturdimensionen auf, um die Auswirkungen kultureller Prägung auf den Bereich individueller Selbstkonzeption zu untersuchen und das Modell sinnvoll zu erweitern.This study developed a differentiation scheme to ascertain cultural effects on independent, interdependent and relational selfconstrual (Sedikides / Brewer 2001) as well as Self-Acceptance and Acceptance of Others (Bergemann / Johann 1985). Selfconceptions have a regulative function for motivational, affective and cognitive processes in social interactions. Until now, cross-cultural research has failed to show systematically the effects of cultural conditioning on fundamental self-conceptions. Therefore, a systematic analysis was conducted providing an orientation framework. This study was conducted in Germany and classified German and international undergraduates (N=154) into the horizontal and vertical dimension of individualism and collectivism according to their answer behaviour in culture sensitive scenarios (Triandis / Chen / Chan 1998). As a result, interdependence is based on the extension of collectivistic values; Acceptance of Others is based on the extension of horizontal values. Acceptance of Others and relational self-construal showed significant gender effects. Self-Acceptance was significantly lower for vertical collectivistic people. There were no significant cultural effects for the independent and relational self-construal