scholarly journals Meaningful entertainment experiences and self-transcendence: Cultural variations shape elevation, values, and moral intentions

2018 ◽  
Vol 80 (7) ◽  
pp. 658-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Rieger ◽  
Lena Frischlich ◽  
Mary Beth Oliver
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Online Experiment ◽  
Cultural Variations ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Interdependent Self ◽  
Self Transcendence ◽  
The Impact

Previous research reported that meaningful entertainment experiences are associated with elevation, mixed affect, physical indicators, and moral motivations. The importance of values, particularly altruistic values and self-transcendence, was thought to play a central role. Although the importance of values has been found to vary across cultures, little research so far has examined cultural variations in the response towards meaningful entertainment. The present study, therefore, investigated how cultural variations in self-construals and the importance of values (self-enhancement, conservation, and self-transcendence) in movies are related to meaningful entertainment experiences. An online experiment in Germany and the United Arab Emirates ( N = 245) confirmed that meaningful entertainment elicited elevation. Elevation was associated with conservation and self-transcendence values and, via this path, increased moral motivations. An interdependent self-construal was related to elevation and to moral motivations. The results are discussed in light of current conceptualizations of inward- and outward-oriented gratifications of meaningful entertainment and the impact of values.

Self-Construals Theory Applications for an Effective Communication of Sustainable Luxury

2020 ◽  
pp. 99-116
Author(s):  
Ludovica Gallo ◽  
Matteo De Angelis ◽  
Cesare Amatulli
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Luxury Brands ◽  
Brand Evaluation ◽  
Csr Communication ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Interdependent Self ◽  
Information Fluency ◽  
Self Transcendence

The next generations of luxury buyers will be increasingly involved in social and environmental issues, gradually asking for more CSR accountability. Luxury maisons, despite recognizing sustainability as a business imperative, seldom communicate their initiatives due to the apparent incompatibility of the two worlds. Past research has demonstrated how the concurrent elicitation of conflicting concepts of self-enhancement and self-transcendence typical of sustainable luxury communication negatively impact brand evaluation. This study investigates how self-construal manipulation plays a role in mitigating the cognitive disfluency phenomenon arising from CSR communication by luxury brands. On a sample of Americans and Italians, three different priming conditions are tested: an independent prime, an interdependent (collective) prime, and a neutral prime. The results of the experiment reveal that eliciting the interdependent self-construal by emphasizing collective concepts prior to the CSR message exposure positively affects brand evaluation via an increase in information fluency.

Newcomer Conformity

2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 138-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Täuber ◽  
Kai Sassenberg
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
The Self ◽  
Specific Group ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Interdependent Self ◽  
Group Goals ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The present research is the first to examine the impact of self-construal on newcomers’ motivation to conform with the goals of a novel group. We argue that when social identity (i.e., individuals’ concern for a specific group) has not yet been developed, newcomers rely on self-construal (i.e., individuals’ chronic concern for ingroups and connectedness with others in general) to derive norms for group-serving vs. self-serving behavior. Results of an experiment (N = 157) supported this prediction: Self-construal moderated the relationship between group goals and individual goals (cognitive conformity) as well as the relationship between group goals and members’ effort (behavioral conformity). Specifically, low independent and high interdependent self-construal was associated with greater cognitive and behavioral alignment of the self with the group compared to high independent and low interdependent self-construal. Findings are discussed regarding the role of self-construal as a precedent of conformity.

scholarly journals Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Make Consumers Shop Alone? The Role of Emotions and Interdependent Self-Construal

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6361
Author(s):  
Wojciech Trzebiński ◽  
Radosław Baran ◽  
Beata Marciniak
Keyword(s):  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Global Epidemic ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Interdependent Self ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Opposing Effects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect

The paper aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and possible future global epidemic events on shopping behavioral patterns. Specifically, the paper investigates consumer pandemic-related isolation behavior (which manifests itself via preference for shopping without leaving home, and avoiding contact with other people while shopping offline) as a consequence of consumer interdependent self-construal, with the mediating role of consumer pandemic-related emotions of disgust, fear for oneself, fear for others, and sadness. The results of two surveys conducted in different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland (October 2020, and January 2021, respectively) suggest two opposing indirect effects of interdependent self-construal on isolation behavior: a positive effect through disgust, and a negative effect through sadness. Additionally, a positive indirect effect through fear was visible in the second study. Moreover, two dimensions of interdependent self-construal (i.e., vertical and horizontal) are demonstrated to have opposing effects (a positive effect and a negative one, respectively) on pandemic-related disgust, and in turn on isolation behavior. The above results indicate that, in the context of the pandemic, consumer self-construal influences pandemic-related emotions, and in turn consumers’ tendency to isolate themselves. Implications for marketers and society were discussed from the perspective of economic and sustainability goals.

The Culturally Situated Self

2019 ◽  
pp. 538-585
Author(s):  
Amir Rosenmann ◽  
Jenny Kurman
Keyword(s):  
The Self ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Self Presentation ◽  
Cultural Contexts ◽  
Cultural Variations ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Cross Cultural Research ◽  
Psychological Inquiry ◽  
The Impact

The impact of culture on the self, the most fundamental unit of psychological inquiry, has captivated scholarly interest for decades. In this chapter, the authors review strands from this prolific body of cross-cultural research, sampled along several lines. They plot a rough trajectory from the early discussions of cultural forms of self-construal to emergent research in online presentation and consumer selfhood. They then illustrate culture’s profound effects on the cognitive, affective, and behavioral facets of the self by reviewing cultural variations in individuals’ self-concept, self-regard, and self-presentation. This cultural divergence notwithstanding, they argue for the universality of basic self-processes. Specifically, the authors claim that the need for positive self-regard and the motivation for self-enhancement exist in all cultural contexts, even as their cultural manifestations radically differ. The chapter concludes with an exploration of self-psychology in the current globalizing age, where cultures around the world are reformatted as consumer cultures.

Factors affecting Taiwanese consumers’ responses toward pop-up retail

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 370-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Chen Chen ◽  
Ann Marie Fiore
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Western Society ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Experiential Marketing ◽  
Consumer Innovativeness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Interdependent Self ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the desired benefits affecting consumer’s attitude and attitude’s consequent influence on behavioral intentions toward pop-up retail, an experiential marketing practice emerging in Taiwan, and to explore the effect of individual differences (consumer innovativeness and materialism) on desired benefits and the moderating effect of cultural values (independent self/interdependent self-construal). Design/methodology/approach A survey containing modified scales, distributed to college students from various majors in ten Taiwanese universities, produced 902 useable responses. Structural equation modeling was employed to investigate the hypothesized relationships. Findings Hedonic benefits and a new utilitarian benefits variable (self-enhancement (SE)) influenced Taiwanese consumers’ attitude toward pop-up retail, and attitude affected patronage intentions. Consumer innovativeness and materialism affected desired benefits. Interdependent self-construal moderated the relationship between materialism and the perceived utilitarian benefit of SE. Research limitations/implications Respondents from one narrow, but appropriate, demographic group in one non-western society were examined. Comparison across demographic groups and non-western and western societies would reveal the prevalence of SE associated with pop-up retail acceptance. Practical implications Pop-up shop design that emphasizes hedonic experience and social status of consumers could lead to successful experiential marketing in Taiwan and perhaps other Chinese societies. Originality/value This appears to be the first empirical study in English examining consumer acceptance of pop-up retail in a non-western society. It verifies the importance of the perceived utilitarian benefit (self-enhancement), absent in previous pop-up retail studies, and the impact of individual differences and cultural values on Taiwanese consumer behavior.

scholarly journals How do we Optimize Message Matching Interventions? Identifying Matching Thresholds, and Simultaneously Matching to Multiple Characteristics

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keven Joyal-Desmarais ◽  
Alexander Rothman ◽  
Mark Snyder
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Studies ◽  
Persuasive Messages ◽  
Online Experiment ◽  
Promotion Focus ◽  
Message Type ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Interdependent Self ◽  
Multiple Characteristics ◽  
Gain Loss ◽  
The Way

Matching the content of persuasive messages to the characteristics (e.g., motives, personality) of people receiving them is a widely used technique to improve persuasion. However, little is known about how to optimize matching beyond simply using the technique. We propose that matching interventions can be strengthened by matching messages to multiple characteristics at a time, and introduce the concept of matching thresholds to improve the way interventionists assign messages. Matching thresholds are defined as the points along characteristics where people change from being most responsive to one message type to another. We provide statistical and methodological tools to estimate matching thresholds, and evaluate these tools in two simulation studies. We then report an online experiment (N=568) where we find an advantage for simultaneously matching messages to two characteristics (promotion focus and interdependent self-construal) and provide estimates of the matching thresholds to guide the assignment of gain/loss frames, and independence/interdependence appeals.

scholarly journals Communication, the Heart of a Relationship: Examining Capitalization, Accommodation, and Self-Construal on Relationship Satisfaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscilla Maria De Netto ◽  
Kia Fatt Quek ◽  
Karen Jennifer Golden
Keyword(s):  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Good News ◽  
Dating Relationships ◽  
Cultural Variations ◽  
Communication Processes ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Interdependent Self ◽  
Psychology Literature

The study of processes that enrich positive relationships has been an under-researched area within positive psychology practice. The way an individual responds during couple conflicts (accommodation response) and toward the disclosure of good news of a partner (capitalization response) has been linked to relationship quality. Although the accommodation and capitalization communication processes are part and parcel of our everyday lives, the two processes have been examined separately and dominated by the Western perspectives in past research. Prior work has suggested that Western and Asian cultures differ in expressing and perceiving beneficial communication behaviors. Yet, it is still unclear which accommodation and capitalization responses matter the most from an Asian lens. To date, there is no research examining these interconnected variables simultaneously in Asia, specifically in Malaysia. In this study, two forms of communication processes, namely, (1) accommodation and (2) capitalization, were explored concurrently to disentangle the unique associations and influence on relationship satisfaction. This study also sought to understand the moderating effects of culture in terms of interdependent self-construal on the link between these two communication processes and relationship satisfaction. Responses of 139 Malaysians in dating relationships between the age of 18 and 30 years (Mage = 23.15) were collected through online surveys. An active and constructive reaction was captured as the most favorable response through both the capitalization and accommodation processes. Prominently, an active-constructive capitalization response bore the strongest influence on relationship satisfaction above and beyond other responses. A passive and constructive response was revealed only fruitful for disclosures of positive news and not during conflicts. Conversely, in the destructive paradigm, passive-destructive responses were the most detrimental factor in relationships compared to other destructive responses. The results also uncovered that interdependent self-construal did not moderate the two forms of communication processes. However, the findings discovered unexpected individual and cultural variations. This pioneering study is a noteworthy addition to the positive psychology literature from an Asian standpoint. It highlights the significance of not only protecting relationships through better conflict management but also enriching relationships by capitalizing on the positive aspects across the lives of the couple, ultimately providing a greater holistic insight into cultivating flourishing lives.

scholarly journals I am afraid, so I buy it! The effects of anxiety on consumer assimilation and differentiation needs amongst individuals primed with independent and interdependent self-construal

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0256483
Author(s):  
Dariusz Drążkowski ◽  
Maciej Behnke ◽  
Lukasz D. Kaczmarek
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Physiological Data ◽  
Physiological Reactivity ◽  
Identity Threat ◽  
Specific Group ◽  
The Social ◽  
Social Identity Threat ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Interdependent Self ◽  
The Impact

Individuals tend to satisfy their assimilation needs by purchasing products that bear a specific group identity. Such products might be preferred when an individual is threatened because anxiety increases affiliative needs. In contrast, individuals might be more attracted to unique-design products when they feel less anxious. We examined the impact of anxiety on assimilation and differentiation needs amongst consumers primed with independent and interdependent self-construal. We expected that anxiety would produce stronger assimilation needs and show a weaker preference for unique products. In Study 1 (N = 110), we found that individuals in the anxiety-inducing condition decreased their evaluation of unique products and exhibited stronger assimilation needs. Independents who felt anxiety reacted with a reduced preference for group-linked products. Study 2 (N = 102) found that introducing an anxiety-decreasing agent (vanilla scent) after a social identity threat reduced differentiation needs and preference for unique products. Physiological data showed that the social identity threat increased sympathetic arousal, but the vanilla scent did not have a soothing effect on physiological reactivity. Overall, this work showed that both anxiety and vanilla scent reduced consumer need for differentiation. Furthermore, for independents, anxiety reduced assimilation needs. We found novel determinants of assimilation/differentiation needs with implications for advertising and retailing products with a unique design.

scholarly journals Impact of Culture on the Pursuit of Beauty: Evidence from Five Countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 54-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilpa Madan ◽  
Shankha Basu ◽  
Sharon Ng ◽  
Elison Ai Ching Lim
Keyword(s):  
Policy Making ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Societal Norms ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Interdependent Self ◽  
Self Discrepancy ◽  
The Impact

Human beings have always coveted beautiful objects, but the desire to look good is reaching new heights worldwide. Although the pursuit of beauty appears universal, industry evidence suggests that it is particularly strong in Asia. This research examines the effect of culture on the pursuit of beauty. Three studies provide converging evidence that interdependent self-construal increases the likelihood of using appearance-enhancing products. Study 1 operationalizes culture through nationality and self-construal and shows that Easterners (more interdependent) are more likely to use appearance-enhancing products than Westerners (less interdependent). This use is driven by interdependents’ tendency to conform to societal norms, which in turn leads to heightened self-discrepancy (Study 2). The use of appearance-enhancing tools helps minimize this discrepancy. Study 3 shows that strength of norms moderates the impact of interdependence on the use of appearance-enhancing tools. When norms are loosely defined and adherence is not strictly enforced, interdependents’ appearance enhancement tendency is reduced. This research offers actionable insights into the pursuit of beauty, marketing of beauty brands, policy making, and consumer well-being.

scholarly journals The interplay between self-construal, social support, and psychological adaptation of Indian immigrants’ in Greece

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelia Kateri ◽  
Evangelos Karademas
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Adaptation ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Moderation Effect ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Indian Immigrants ◽  
Self Construal ◽  
Interdependent Self ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

In the present study, the interplay between self-construal, social support and psychological adaptation of first generation Indian immigrants residing in Crete (N = 114) was examined. The first aim of the study was to analyze the association of self-construal with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem as indicators of psychological adaptation. It was hypothesized that Indian immigrants would maintain a more interdependent than independent self-construal and that Indians with high interdependent self-construal would receive more social support and have less adaptation problems compared to immigrants’ with a more independent self-construal. Furthermore, the second aim was to examine the relation of social support to self-construal, and psychological adaptation. It was hypothesized that interdependent self-construal would have positive effects on psychological adaptation through social support (mediation). A moderation effect was also hypothesized, in that social support was expected to act protectively for Indians with high interdependence, regarding psychological adaptation. The results verified some of the hypotheses but there were unexpected findings as well. Interdependence was not related to any indices of psychological adaptation, while a negative relationship was found between independent self-construal and self-esteem. Although, social support was not related either to self-construal or to adaptation, it acted as mediator in the relationship between interdependent self-construal and depression. Furthermore, a moderation effect was found on the relationship between independent self-construal and self-esteem. There are certain implications of these findings, regarding the impact of cultural values in counseling and the role of social support in immigrants’ psychological adaptation.

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