Differences In Cultural Orientations Research Articles

The Relationship between Parenting Behaviors and Adolescent Well-Being Varies with the Consistency of Parent-Adolescent Cultural Orientation.

To evaluate the limitations of the traditional parenting model in the cultural transition period, this study investigated the relationship between parenting behaviors and adolescents' well-being, in which the moderating role of consistency in parent-adolescent cultural orientation was also investigated. Six hundred forty-four parent-adolescent dyads completed self-report surveys. Parents completed the cultural orientation questionnaire (parental version), and adolescents completed the cultural orientation questionnaire (adolescent version), the adolescent-perceived parenting behavior scale, the adolescent basic psychological needs scale, and the adolescent well-being questionnaire. The findings were as follows: (1) Adolescent-perceived parental autonomy support positively predicted the satisfaction of adolescents' basic psychological needs, thereby enhancing adolescents' well-being levels. Conversely, adolescent-perceived parental control significantly predicted the frustration of adolescents' basic psychological needs, thereby reducing their well-being levels. (2) When both parents and adolescents share a collectivistic cultural orientation, high parental control significantly frustrated adolescents' basic psychological needs, but it did not negatively affect their well-being. However, when parents are collectivists but adolescents are individualists, high parental control would significantly induce the frustration of basic psychological needs, thus further impairing adolescents' well-being. The results revealed that differences in cultural orientations between generations during cultural transition periods moderate the effects of parenting behaviors.

“We agree more than disagree”: Exploring conflict in Alevi-Sunni intermarriages in Turkey

The present study aimed to understand how cultural differences affect conflict experiences in intermarriages, uncover any conflict resolution patterns used by couples in these marriages, and explore any protective dynamics that prevent cultural differences-related conflicts in Turkey. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 43 Alevi-Sunni intermarried individuals (18 couples and 7 individuals). Data were analyzed using content analysis. Most couples did not identify cultural differences as causing crucial marital problems, whereas only a minority of them faced some further challenges and conflicts due to differences in cultural orientations. Disapproval of the other’s traditions/values, prejudices and discrimination, and intergroup competition were emerged themes of cultural differences-related conflicts. Four conflict resolution strategies were identified: sensitivity to one another’s cultural differences, avoidance, building a “we” as a couple, and pressure to assimilate. In terms of the protective dynamics preventing cultural differences-related conflicts, secularization, universal/humanistic values, integration, and common political view emerged as themes. This study provides a step toward understanding conflict experiences in intermarriages in Turkey. Furthermore, our findings add to a growing body of literature on positive couple functioning in intermarriages.

What Simon “knows” about cultural differences: The influence of cultural orientation and traffic directionality on spatial compatibility effects

Previous research has suggested that culture influences perception and attention. These studies have typically involved comparisons of Westerners with East Asians, motivated by assumed differences in the cultures’ self-concept or position on the individualism-collectivism spectrum. However, other potentially important sources of cultural variance have been neglected, such as differences in traffic directionality shaped by the urban spatial environment (i.e., left-hand vs. right-hand traffic). Thus, existing research may potentially place too much emphasis on self-concepts or the individualism-collectivism dimension in explaining observed cultural differences in cognition. The present study investigated spatial cognition using a Simon task and tested participants from four nations (Australia, China, Germany, and Malaysia) that differ in both cultural orientation (collectivistic vs. individualistic) and traffic directionality (left-hand vs. right-hand traffic). The task used two possible reference frames underlying the Simon effect: a body-centered one based on global stimulus position relative to the screen’s center versus an object-centered one based on local stimulus position relative to a context object. As expected, all groups showed a reliable Simon effect for both spatial reference frames. However, the global Simon effect was larger in participants from countries with left-hand traffic. In contrast, the local Simon effect was modulated by differences in cultural orientation, with larger effects in participants from collectivistic cultures. This pattern suggests that both sources of cultural variation, viz. cultural orientation and traffic directionality, contribute to differences in spatial cognition in distinct ways.

The relationship between interdependent and independent self-construals and social anxiety symptom severity in a clinical sample of treatment-seeking patients.

Differences in cultural orientations, such as interdependent and independent self-construals, may influence social anxiety disorder (SAD) symptom presentations. However, prior research on the association between interdependent/independent self-construals and SAD was limited to non-clinical samples. Using a treatment-seeking population with clinical levels of anxiety, the current study extends prior research by examining whether the relationship between interdependent/independent self-construals and SAD is specific to SAD or indicative of a broader relationship with anxiety or depression more generally. We also expand upon prior work by examining the effect of self-construals on treatment outcomes and whether self-construals change over time. The results showed that endorsing a less independent self-construal was associated with greater SAD symptoms specifically, and was not associated with other anxiety or depression symptom measures. Additionally, while interdependent and independent self-construals did not moderate SAD treatment outcomes, there was a decrease in interdependent self-construal and increase in independent self-construal over a course of cognitive behavioral therapy. Notably, this change over time was tied to specific items that correlated strongly with SAD symptoms. Together, these results increase our understanding of the relationship between interdependent/independent self-construals and SAD symptoms in treatment-seeking anxiety patients.

Mental Health Factors That Guide Individuals to Engage in Overconsumption Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Cultural Study Between USA and Ecuador.

BackgroundThis study tests a framework that examines the role of several mental health factors (mood, wellbeing, health consciousness, and hoarding) on individuals' overconsumption behavior under the novel coronavirus context. This examination is relevant to public health literature because it increases our knowledge on how the context of COVID-19 pandemic affects people's mental health and provides answers to why individuals engage in overconsumption behavior. Additionally, this research also follows a cross-cultural perspective aiming to understand how individuals from different cultural orientations cope with the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study that compares samples from two countries: Ecuador (n = 334) and USA (n = 321). Data was collected via an online survey. The timing of data collection was set during the mandatory lockdowns and social distance measures taken by both countries to fight against the COVID-19 virus breakout. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the theorized framework. Multi-group analysis was used to explore cultural orientation differences among the relationships included in the model.ResultsThe results indicate that individuals' mood state has a positive relationship with health consciousness, as people try to regulate their health concerns by maintaining positive perceptions of their subjective wellbeing. Further, the increased concern individuals express in their health is responsible for them to engage in overconsumption behavior. Cultural orientation (individualism vs. collectivism) moderates the relationship between mood and health consciousness. No moderation effect was found for the relationship between health consciousness and overconsumption.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic has generated negative effects in individuals' mental health. Findings from this study suggest that maintaining a positive mood is important for individuals at the time of mandatory lockdowns, and this effort is related to a greater concern and awareness of their health. Further, health consciousness is responsible to stimulate overconsumption behavior. This chain of effects can be explained by individuals' interest in their wellbeing. Culture plays a role in these effects. People from individualistic countries (USA) compared to people from collectivistic countries (Ecuador) demonstrate greater motivation in maintaining their positive mood by showing greater health consciousness.

Cultural Variations in Public Beliefs about Mental Disorders: A Comparison between Tunisia and Germany

Background:In recent years there is a growing interest in public beliefs about mental disorders. Numerous representative population-based studies have been conducted around the globe, also in European countries bordering on the Mediterranean Sea. However, relatively little is known about public beliefs in countries in Northern Africa.Objective:To fill this gap by comparing public beliefs about mental disorders in Tunisia and Germany, focusing on causal beliefs, help-seeking recommendations and treatment preferences.Methods:Representative national population-based surveys have been conducted in Tunisia in 2012 (N = 811) and in Germany in 2011 (N = 1852), using the same interview mode and the same fully structured interview starting with a vignette depicting a person suffering from either schizophrenia or depression. Results:In Tunisia, the public was more likely to adopt psychosocial and to reject biogenetic explanations than in Germany. Correspondingly, psychological treatments were more frequently recommended and biological ones more frequently advised against. There was also a strong inclination to share religious beliefs and to recommend seeking religious advice. Tunisians tended much more than Germans to hold moralistic views and to blame the afflicted person for his or her illness. In Tunisia, the public tended less to differentiate between schizophrenia and depression than in Germany. Conclusion:Marked differences between Tunisia and Germany exist in public beliefs about the causes of mental disorders and their treatment, which correspond to differences in cultural orientations prevailing in these countries. Mental health professionals need to be sensitive to the particular cultural context in which they operate, in order to be able to reach those they intend to care for.

The Role of Cultural Orientation in Adolescent Identity Formation: Self-Construal as a Mediator

Cultural context has become one of the key factors in identity formation. Differences in cultural orientation cause differences in self-construal which influence identity formation. This research examined the role of self-construal as a mediator of the role cultural orientation in identity formation. This study recruited 569 participants aged 18-21 years old. The Utrecht-Management of Identity Commitments Scale, Culture Orientation Scale, and Self-Construal Scale were used to measure identity formation, cultural orientation, and self-construal. The results indicated that interdependent self-construal could mediate the role cultural orientation in identity formation and that significant others are important in identity formation.

A Cross-Cultural Study of Midlife Relational and Sexual Health: Comparing Ukraine to the U.S. and Turkey

We examined how relational and sexual health in Ukraine compares to relational and sexual health in the United States (U.S.) and Turkey. Given these countries’ differences in cultural orientation, religion, and gender attitudes, reference group theory suggests that individuals will adopt group norms and therefore differ across countries. Married midlife adults ages 35–60 years old (United States n = 315, 50.8% female participants; Ukraine n = 322, 46.3% female participants; Turkey n = 563, 38.9% female participants,) completed an Internet survey about relational and sexual health. Ukrainian adults were less satisfied with their relationships, more satisfied with their sexual communication, kissed less, had oral and vaginal sex more frequently, and were more judging of sexual experiences than U.S. adults. However, Ukrainian adults were more satisfied with their relationships, had more frequent vaginal sex, were less judging of sexual experiences, and reported more sexual desire than Turkish adults. These findings suggest that specific cultural features may differentially contribute to cross-cultural differences and demonstrate the important role of culture in understanding relational and sexual health.

Does domain specific consumer innovativeness vary with consumers' individual cultural orientation?

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the level of consumer innovativeness differs in individual level cultural dimensions namely, uncertainty avoidance, individualism, masculinity, power distance, and long term orientation. A survey research was conducted in order to measure domain specific innovativeness for mobile phone consumers and individual level cultural dimensions. In order to test the differences among more and less innovative consumers cluster analysis and t tests were employed. The results of t tests indicated that there are significant differences in cultural orientations among more and less innovative consumers. More (less) innovative consumers have lower (higher) uncertainty avoidance, and lower (higher) power distance and they hold more (less) individualistic and masculine values.

Does domain specific consumer innovativeness vary with consumers' individual cultural orientation?

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the level of consumer innovativeness differs in individual level cultural dimensions namely, uncertainty avoidance, individualism, masculinity, power distance, and long term orientation. A survey research was conducted in order to measure domain specific innovativeness for mobile phone consumers and individual level cultural dimensions. In order to test the differences among more and less innovative consumers cluster analysis and t tests were employed. The results of t tests indicated that there are significant differences in cultural orientations among more and less innovative consumers. More (less) innovative consumers have lower (higher) uncertainty avoidance, and lower (higher) power distance and they hold more (less) individualistic and masculine values.

L2 Experience Mediates the Relation between Mainstream Acculturation Orientation and Self-Assessed L2 Competence among Migrants

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the development of migrants' second language (L2) competence in naturalistic settings is a pressing concern for receiving societies. Several studies have established a positive relation between people's self-positioning with respect to the L2 ethnolinguistic group and their L2 competence, but the mechanisms underlying this relation are relatively unexplored. Using path analysis, this study investigates the hypothesis that migrants' experience with the L2 mediates the positive association between mainstream cultural orientation and self-assessed L2 competence among 123 multicultural recent immigrant students to Montreal, Quebec. As such, this study applies notions from L2 motivation and sociocultural L2 learning to an acculturation context. This study also unpacks L2 experience by examining L2 use and L2 social contact (namely, friendships in the mainstream group) separately. In addition, this study takes into account the important role of the social context by selecting a setting that maximizes the centrality of individual differences in cultural orientations. The hypotheses were fully supported: model fit for the hypothesized model was excellent and better than for alternative models.

The Perceived Differences in Interdepartmental Communication Regarding Organisational Formalisation: a Case Study of an International Company

Abstract The goal of this paper is to study differences in communication between two cultures that are believed to belong to a low-context pole and represent “old“ and “new“ European. It is achieved in the context of the German-based MNE by investigation of the perceived differences between Estonian and Bavarian-based production units. An exploratory qualitative case study with ethnographic techniques proved that the reason for dysfunctional outcomes originated in how knowledge of norms was transferred and in differences in cultural orientations. It concludes that prior to organisational learning and development activities MNE managers should get training in intercultural communication

From ‘Corruption’ to ‘Democracy’: Cultural Values, Mobilization, and the Collective Identity of the Occupy Movement

The study focuses on the evaluative dimension of social movements. The central question is: How do values and ideas shape collective identity during the process of mobilization? This issue is examined in three steps: in the first step, we investigate the relationship between cultural values and collective identities from a sociological perspective. In the second step, the discussion shifts to the influence of general value commitments on the mobilization of the Occupy movement in the USA. Based on a content analysis of text material from two sources—magazine articles and Tactical Briefings from the Adbusters Media Foundation's website—we examine similarities and differences in cultural orientations. In the third step, we analyse the central value relations in the discursive space that shaped the collective identity of the Occupy movement.

The Association between Cultural Orientation and Drinking Behaviors among University Students in Wuhan, China

ObjectivesThis study examines the association between cultural orientation and drinking behaviors among university students. Cultural orientation is the measure of how the cultural values of individuals living in their own society are influenced by cultural values introduced from the outside.MethodsIn 2011, a cross-sectional survey collected data from 1279 university students from six universities in central China. Participants used a likert scale to rank a series of statements reflecting cultural values from the previously validated Chinese Cultural Orientation Scale and answered questions about their drinking behaviors and socio-demographic characteristics.ResultsStatistically significant differences in cultural orientation were observed for gender, hometown and type of university attendance. Traditional-oriented students were more likely to be occasional drinkers or nondrinkers, while marginal-oriented students, bicultural-oriented students and western-oriented students were more likely to be regular drinkers. Bicultural orientation (OR = 1.80, P<0.05) and marginal orientation (OR = 1.64, P<0.05) increased the likelihood of the student being regular drinking, compared to students with traditional orientations. Males (OR = 4.40, P<0.05) had a higher likelihood of regular drinking than females, graduate students (OR = 2.59, P<0.05) had a higher likelihood of regular drinking than undergraduates, students from urban areas (OR = 1.79, P<0.05) had a higher likelihood of regular drinking than those from towns/rural areas, and students attending key universities (OR = 0.48, P<0.05) had a lower likelihood of regular drinking than those attending general universities.ConclusionsCultural orientation influences drinking behaviors. Traditional cultural orientation was associated with less drinking while western cultural orientation, marginal cultural orientation and bicultural orientation were associated with more drinking. The role of gender, hometown and university attendance is partially moderated through the influence of cultural orientation. The relationship between a traditional cultural orientation and alcohol drinking suggests that traditional Chinese cultural values should be examined for their role in possibly reducing alcohol-related risks through education and policy initiatives.

Ethnicity and Contemporary American Culture

The United States is one of the most culturally diverse societies. Research has documented numerous differences in cultural orientations across U.S. ethnic/racial groups. But with continual intergroup interactions and increasing influxes of non–European Americans, it remains unclear to what extent these cultural differences persist in the long term. Via meta-analysis, we compared African, Asian, Latino, and European Americans on horizontal–vertical individualism–collectivism. There were no ethnic/racial differences in the mean scores of both variants of collectivism, although European Americans were higher in vertical individualism than African Americans and Latino Americans. Longitudinal analyses pointed to evidence of a convergence of cultural orientations, but analyses of the intercorrelations between the four dimensions of individualism–collectivism revealed noticeable group differences. The discussion elaborates on processes that may promote cultural convergence. Remarks are also made with regard to the persistent cultural, political, and economic group differences that are evident in the meanings and compatibility of different value dimensions.

National culture, networks and ethnic entrepreneurship: A comparison of the Indian and Chinese immigrants in the US

This paper uses a combination of national cultural frameworks and social capital theory to explain the formation and management of entrepreneurial ventures among immigrant communities. The varying rates of venture formation and performance among different ethnic groups points to the role that the different dimensions of culture play in how immigrants use their social networks to start such firms. We use the specific example of the Indian and Chinese communities in the US to demonstrate this effect and explain how businesses created by members of these communities could have potentially different ways of starting and operating that can be directly traced to the differences in cultural orientation of their owners. What emerges can be summarized as: (a) different immigrant communities have different ways of accumulating and using social capital in starting and managing their ethnic ventures; (b) these dissimilarities manifest themselves in variations in the motives for forming these ventures, human resource practices and termination rates; and (c) that these variations can partly be explained by the differences in their respective national cultures.

Parent involvement and views of school success: The role of parents' Latino and White American cultural orientations

AbstractWe examined ethnicity and cultural orientation as predictors of parents' views of and involvement in children's education, using data gathered from the Latino (n = 74) and non‐Latino (17 White and 13 ethnic minority) parents of children in an elementary school's dual‐language program. Parents completed a questionnaire that assessed Latino and White American cultural orientations, importance of children's academic and social success, and self‐ and significant other involvement in children's education. Results indicated that Latino (and other ethnic minority) parents valued academic and social success equally and more strongly than did Whites and that Whites valued social success more strongly than academic success. Latinos also reported greater involvement of significant others. These differences were largely accounted for by cultural orientations. Educational practices that take into account differences in cultural orientations and the involvement of significant others thus seem more likely to improve academic outcomes than do efforts intended to promote the valuing of education. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Talking Across Cultures in Early Intervention: Finding Common Ground to Meet Children's Communication Needs

Abstract In this paper, we explore cultural values and expectations that might vary among different groups. Using the collectivist-individualist framework, we discuss differences in beliefs about the caregiver role in teaching and interacting with young children. Differences in these beliefs can lead to dissatisfaction with services on the part of caregivers and with frustration in service delivery on the part of service providers. We propose that variation in caregiver and service provider perspectives arise from cultural values, some of which are instilled through our own training as speech-language pathologists. Understanding where these differences in cultural orientation originate can help to bridge these differences. These can lead to positive adaptations in the ways that speech-language pathology services are provided within an early intervention setting that will contribute to effective intervention.

Identifying and managing cross-cultural differences in the classroom: A case study of USIU

Many learning institutions are now designed to cater to the needs of students and staff from different cultures. The United States International University (USIU) in Kenya is no different. It provides learning opportunities to learners from different nations and regions of the world. When these learners and other staff come into the new culture, they often experience culture shock because the culture they now embrace is different from what they have been socialized into back in their own culture. This paper examines the extent to which differences in cultural orientations affect learners' abilities to pursue academic programs effectively. We interviewed only a small number of learners since we were interested more in the narrational data and in few instances used statistical evidence. Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa Vol. 1 (2) 2009: pp. 120-128

Shaping attitudes about homosexuality: The role of religion and cultural context

Across the globe, the debate over homosexuality continues, with great variation in public opinion about the acceptability of homosexuality, laws regulating same-sex unions and penalties for homosexual sex behaviors. Religion is often seen as an important predictor of attitudes about homosexuality. However, cross-national differences in cultural orientations suggest that the role religion has in explaining homosexual attitudes may depend on a nation’s cultural context. In this study, we merge ideas from cultural sociology and religious contextual effects to explain cross-national variation in public opinion about homosexuality. Using data from the fourth wave of the World Values Survey and Hierarchical Modeling techniques, we find support for the micro and macro effects of religion and a survival vs. self-expressive cultural orientation. Moreover, we find that personal religious beliefs have a greater effect on attitudes about homosexuality in countries like the United States, which have a strong self-expressive cultural orientation.