Self-Construal

1. Self-construal (Self-conception)
2. Independent Vs. Interdependent self-
construal
3. Three layers of the self
4. Universalistic-based Vs. Particularistic based
interaction
 1.Self-construal (Self-conception)

• Self-construal:
+ the view of ourselves: how we perceive
ourselves
+ In a particular situations/ As members of a
group

• A fundamental basis for individualism-

collectivism value orientation
 2. Independent Vs. Interdependent
self-construal
• 2 types: Independent and Interdependent

• The degree to which people perceive

themselves as separate or connected to other
people
 Independent self
• Individual as unique and distinct entity from
others and the context

• Motivated by their own abilities, characteristics,

and ideas rather than the thoughts and feelings
of others

• Value individualism, personal achievement, self-

direction and competition
 Interdependent self
• Emphasize the importance of relation (relational
connectedness):
+ Feel motivated to fit in with others
+ Fulfill & create obligations
To become part of various interpersonal
relationship
• High interdependents value other-face and
mutual face:
+ avoid public embarrassment
+ preserve relational harmony
 Examples of self-construal
• Miller (1991): personal moral responsibilities
- US (Western cultures)
+ Persons are inherently autonomous
+ Individual as primary and social order as a
derivative
- India (Hindu cultures)
+ Persons are inherently part of a social body with
relationship of interdependence
+ Groups rather than individuals are the most basic
social unit
 3. Three layers of self
• Every person’s self conception has:
- Private self: unique traits, states and behavior
- Collective self: links self-presentation to group style
- Public self: how the generalized others perceive the
self

• Individualistic cultures: the private self: willing to

disclose private self + move it to the public layer

• Collectivistic cultures: Collective self + Public self

 4. Universalistic-based Vs.
Particularistic-based interaction
• Independent self individuals use a universal set
of standards to evaluate the performance of
others
• Interdepent self uses a contextual, particular set
in each situation

• Universalistic societies: Canada, USA, Sweden,

Norway,…
• Particularistic societies: China, Russia,
Venezuela,…
 Vs.
Universalistic-based Particularistic-based
• Laws and regulations • Laws and regulations can be
should treat everyone molded to fit each
equally relationship and in-group
needs

• Detailed contracts with • Develop mutual trust and

punishment clauses close social ties