ISSN 0439-755X
CN 11-1911/B

›› 1999, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (02): 190-199.

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SPONTANEOUS DESCRIPTION OF INTERDEPENDENT SELF AND INDEPENDENT SELF:DIFFERENCES OF GENDER AND MAJOR IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Zhang Liwei (Chinese University of Hong Kong, Beijing University of Physical Education )Fu Mingqiu (Southwest Normal University of China. Chongqing 400715)   

  • Published:1999-06-25 Online:1999-06-25

Abstract: Based on cultural differences , Markus and Kitayama's (1991) self construal theory divided self concept into two parts f independent self and interdependent self. The present investigation hypothesized that the study of P. E. will cultivate the students' interdependent self because it involves more social interactions, whereas the study of Science and Art will cultivate the students' independent self because it involves more independent activities. Twenty Statement Test was administered to 258 university students and the result partly supported the hypothesis: P. E. majors made more concrete self-descriptions whereas Science and Art majors made more abstract self-descriptions . However, these two groups of students did not differ in self-focused and social-focused dimention. These results were discussed from perspectives ofsocial-cultural influence and cognitive ability. The present investigation also showed that female university students made more abstract self-descriptions whereas male university students made more concrete self-descriptions.

Key words: self construal, independent self, interdependent self, gender difference, major difference