How Will "I" Versus "We" Perform? An Investigation of Future Outlooks and Self-Construals. (August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dean, Kristy K.; Gardner, Wendi L.
• Is Part Of: Personality & social psychology bulletin. Volume 40:Number 8(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 947
• Page End: 958
• Publication Date: 2014-08
• Subjects: self-construal -- predictions -- preparation -- motivated behavior; Personality -- Periodicals; Social psychology -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1177/0146167214532137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-1672

Abstract

Previous theory and research suggests that people generate predictions to prepare for an uncertain future, often basing predictions on task-relevant information like prior performance. Four studies test the hypothesis that preparation via prediction occurs more readily when interdependent (vs. independent) self-construals are salient. This hypothesis was supported when examining chronic tendencies to generate negative predictions (Study 1) and spontaneous predictions in response to task-relevant information (Studies 2, 3, and 4), as well as when self-construals were measured (Studies 1, 2, and 4) and primed (Study 3). Moreover, performance prediction occurs in conjunction with increases in task persistence, but only for individuals with interdependent self-construals. Individuals with independent self-construals tend toward preparation via prediction only when preparation is urgent. Discussion centers on the applicability of within-cultural differences in self-construal on cross-cultural investigations, and implications for future research on predictive judgments.