Self-concept consistency and short-term stability in eight cultures

Self-concept consistency and short-term stability were investigated in the United States, Australia, Mexico, Venezuela, Philippines, Malaysia, China, and Japan. Evidence for substantial cross-role consistency and reliable within-individual variability in trait self-perceptions were found in each culture. Participants in all cultures exhibited short-term stability in their self-reported traits within roles and moderately stable if–then patterns of trait self-perceptions. Cultural differences, which primarily involved Japan, were partially accounted for by cultural differences in dialecticism, but not self-construals or cultural tightness. In all cultures, satisfaction of needs in various roles partially accounted for within-individual variability in self-reported traits. The results provide support for integrating trait and cultural psychology perspectives, as well as structure and process approaches, in the study of self-concepts across cultures.

► Self-concept consistency and short-term stability found in eight cultures. ► Reliable within-individual variability and stable if–then patterns of trait self-perceptions found in each culture. ► Cultural differences were partially mediated by cultural differences in dialecticism. ► Satisfaction of needs in various roles partially accounted for within-individual variability in self-reported traits.