THE SELF IN

EASTERN AND
WESTERN
THOUGHT
•The concept of the self in Western
psychology derives primarily from the
work of Freud, Jung, and Rogers.
•Eastern conceptions especially those
derived from the Vijnanavada and Zen
Buddhist traditions.
 WEST AND EAST
Independence
Develop early independence
Express yourself
Responsible for self
Live on one’s own
One’s own goals take priority
Motivated by own
preferences, needs ,
rights
Tasks more important than relationships
Cognitive skills independent of social
skills
Interdependence
Learn to depend on others
Read nonverbal cues
Listen to authority
Be responsible for others
Personal goals secondary to goals of the
group
Motivated by the norms of, and duties
imposed by, the group
Relationships more important than tasks
Social and cognitive skills integrated
 WEST EAST
INDIVIDUALISTIC VS. COLLABORATIVE
Low Power Distance High Power Distance
Persons must earn Parents teach children to
obey
respect Children respect parents &
Collaborative those in authority
classrooms Teachers take initiative in
Teachers facilitate class
Teachers are to transfer
learning wisdom
Persons direct Students respect teachers
themselves Persons expect direction
 WEST AND EAST
INDIVIDUALISTIC VS. COLLABORATIVE

I am part of my family.
I am special.
I am part of my community.
I am unique.
I am part of my country.
I am me.
The goodness of the whole is
I am an individual.
more important than the
I am who I am.
individual.
I am a rational agent.
My actions directly impact
I am responsible for my own
my family and my
action.
community.
 AT THE PARTY
BLUE- WESTERN SELF RED- EASTERN SELF
ATTITUDE TOWARDS PUNCTUALITY
AT A PARTY
IDEAL OF BEAUTY
THE BOSS
NOISE LEVEL INSIDE A RESTAURANT
PROBLEM-SOLVING APPROACH
SIZE OF THE INDIVIDUAL’S EGO
HOW TO STAND IN LINE
COMPLEXITY OF SELF-EXPRESSION
TRAVELING AND RECORDING
MEMORIES
CONNECTIONS AND CONTACTS
THREE MEALS A DAY
MOODS AND WEATHER
THANK
YOU!