Validating the Revised Self-Construal Scale

in the Philippines

Jesus Alfonso D. Datu

Current Psychology
A Journal for Diverse Perspectives on
Diverse Psychological Issues

ISSN 1046-1310

Curr Psychol
DOI 10.1007/s12144-014-9275-9

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 Author's personal copy
Curr Psychol
DOI 10.1007/s12144-014-9275-9

Validating the Revised Self-Construal Scale

in the Philippines

Jesus Alfonso D. Datu

# Springer Science+Business Media New York 2014

Abstract The current study investigates the validity of the Revised Self-Construal
Scale in the Philippines through within and between network construct validation
approaches. Six hundred sixty five (665) Filipino samples were selected and asked to
answer the Revised Self-Construal Scale and Concise Measure of Subjective Well Being
Scale. After executing confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to validate the hypothesized
three-factor structure of self-construal, findings revealed that the alternative two-factor
model seems to be the most appropriate model that represents cultural self-views of the
present sample. Independent self-construal and interdependent self-construal also
had acceptable reliability coefficients. Correlational analyses showed that both indepen-
dent self-construal and interdependent self-construal were positively correlated with life
satisfaction and positive affect. Yet, multiple regression analyses revealed that interde-
pendent self-construal operates as a stronger predictor of life satisfaction and positive
affect. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.

Keywords Life satisfaction . Negative affect . Positive affect . Self-construal

Introduction

Cultural psychology is predicated on the assertion that most of our behaviors, emotions,
and thinking patterns are heavily influenced by important cultural and distinct contex-
tual factors (Markus and Kitayama 1991). Whereas people in the Asian context are
likely to display a highlight interdependent self, those in the Western cultures are prone
to show an independent self. Previous literature even highlighted that cultural differ-
ences in the endorsement of self-construal potentially explain why individuals in
individualist cultures are driven to achieve greater autonomy and personal achievement

Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12144-014-9275-9)

contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
J. A. D. Datu (*)
Office of Learning Assessment, Center for Learning and Performance Assessment, De La Salle–College
of St. Benilde, 2544 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004 NCR, Philippines
e-mail: [email protected]
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compared to those in collectivist contexts who are eager to maintain sound and
harmonious relationships.
Self-construal pertains to the fundamental views that individuals hold about their
selves in distinct sociocultural environments (Markus and Kitayama 1991). On one
hand, people in individualist contexts are likely to espouse an independent self-con-
strual, a view of self that allows them to behave in ways that freely reflect their internal
dispositions, preferences, and values. On the other hand, those in collectivist settings
are prone to endorse an interdependent self-construal, a sense of self that enables them
to engage in behaviors that aim to establish and maintain relationship harmony.
Kitayama et al. (1997) also contended that differences on the cultural self-construal
influence important psychological processes across contexts. These evidences poten-
tially justify why more recent literature focused on measuring culture at individual level
instead of assessing the cultural self through individualism-collectivism continuum
which is more collective in nature (Triandis 1989).
To measure individual differences in self-construal, Singelis (1994) developed a
24-item scale that has two distinct dimensions: independent and interdependent
self-construals. It was found that the Self-Construal Scale had adequate validity and
reliability indices. The two-factor structure was also supported through confirmatory
factor analysis. However, past studies have shown that the Self-Construal Scale
(Singelis 1994) lacks validity (Levine et al. 2003; Lu and Gilmour 2004). Levine
et al. (2003) argued that most of the current scales that measure cultural self at the
individual level encounter the same issue. To support this claim, the authors found that
the two-factor model of self-construal had low fit indices among American, Japanese,
and Korean samples. In contrast to the theoretical assumptions of cultural self-views,
people in the Asian contexts did not score significantly higher on interdependent self-
construal scale. The authors asserted that some of the reasons why the existing self-
construal scales failed to measure culture at individual levels include issues in construct
validation and less intricate theorizing on the dimensions of self-construal.
Given the aforementioned limitations of the Self-Construal Scale of Singelis (1994),
some studies have formulated scales that intend to provide a valid measure of cultural
self-construal. For instance, Lu and Gilmour (2007) developed a new 42-item scale that
intends to measure self-views of individuals in relation to various contexts. Results
have shown that the said scale had acceptable validity and reliability coefficients. The
scale was also invariant across British and Chinese samples. Yet, there has been scarcity
of studies that examined its psychometric properties in other contexts.
Recently, Hashimoto and Yamagishi (2013) also constructed a new scale of self-
construal through modifying some of the items in the previous self-construal measures
(e.g. Singelis 1994; Takata 2000) and extending the conceptualization of interdepen-
dence through adding rejection avoidance as its domain. Originally, there were 94
items in the revised self-construal scale. After performing exploratory factor analysis
and choosing items that had high factor loadings in the three subscales (independence,
relationship, harmony, and rejection avoidance), 24 items were retained in the formu-
lated scale. However, 6 items did not load into any dimension which resulted in 18
items. Findings have also shown that the said instrument had sufficient reliability
coefficients (α=0.69 to 0.80). In addition, rejection avoidance was positively associ-
ated with caution and negatively related to self-esteem. However, the authors focused
only on the psychological consequences of interdependent self-construal.
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Whereas these recent developments in the conceptualization and measurement of

self-construal offer promising advantages to accurately gauge cultural self-view, there
are still issues that need to be addressed to conclude that these self-construal scales are
valid across cultures. To support this viewpoint, Bernardo (2011) asserted that it may
not be safe to assume that all existing English psychological tests will be valid and
applicable in the Philippine context. This is very relevant especially in measuring self-
construal given that extant literature explicitly stated the necessity to look at the
construct validity in various cultures (Hashimoto and Yamagishi 2013; Levine et al.
2003). Therefore, the current study aims to examine the factor structure and relevant
psychometric properties of the Revised Self-Construal Scale (Hashimoto and
Yamagishi 2013) among Filipino samples. It also assesses the predictive impact of
self-construal on subjective well being. Studies that adopt these scale validation
strategies are regarded as within and between network construct validation approach
(e.g. King et al. 2012; King and Watkins 2012) (Fig. 1).
Examining the structural validity of the Revised Self-Construal Scale in the
Philippines affords appealing benefits not only in the field of cultural psychology but
also in applied psychology (e.g. clinical psychology). One possible contribution that
this study in the field of cultural psychology is that it can provide significant evidence
on the extent to which the aforementioned scale effectively measures self-construal in a
collectivist context, especially in the Philippine context where there is marked dearth of
research that investigates the validity of self-construal measures. This could result not
only to effective measurement of self-construals but also to development of cross-
cultural studies that clearly delineate how culture impacts the psychological functioning
of people in distinct sociocultural settings. Moreover, the current study hopes to
contribute in the field of clinical and counseling psychology as it elucidates how
individual-level measures of culture like self-construal could affect the achievement

Fig. 1 Confirmatory Factor Analysis of 6 parcels of the Revised Self-Construal Scale with 2 factors. INDSC
Independent self-construal; INTSC Interdependent self-construal; e errors. All dimensions in each factor
represent 6 parcels that were created
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of subjective well being (i.e. life satisfaction and positive affect) among people in
interdependent societies. The conjecture regarding the central role that self-construal
plays in attaining optimal psychological outcomes like domains of subjective well
being is no longer a new assumption given that past empirical studies have shown that
self-construal shared relations with other important indices of psychological health like
depression (e.g. Lam 2005; Su et al. 2012) and happiness (i.e. Kwan et al. 1997). Still,
there was noticeable scarcity of empirical investigations that explore cultural anteced-
ents of happiness in the Philippines.

Self-Construal and Psychological Outcomes

Previous studies have shown that self-construal significantly predicts wide array of
psychological outcomes. Luo et al. (2011) found that interdependent self-construal is
associated with mastery approach and avoidance goals while independent self-construal
was linked to performance approach and avoidance goals among Singaporean students.
In a related research, Cheng and Lam (2013) found that independent and interdepen-
dent self-construals were positively correlated with social goals but negatively associ-
ated with avoidance of help-seeking.
Lam (2005) found that interdependent self-construal indirectly influences depression
through enhancing family cohesion which increases self-esteem among Vietnamese-
American adolescents. That said, the endorsement of an interdependent self potentially
assists these individuals from accomplishing their cultural tasks which leads to in-
creased realization of self-worth and lower levels of depression.
Self-construal also predicted behaviors that are centrally important in addressing
environmental issues (Arnocky et al. 2007). Particularly, independent self-construal
was positively associated with self-directed environmental concern while interdepen-
dent self-construal positively predicted cooperation with others.
Yamaguchi et al. (2014) found that while both independent and interdependent self-
construals increases internalized self-criticism, individuals in the USA experienced
lower levels of self-compassion which leads to greater depression. However, those in
Japan who endorsed interdependent self-views had higher comparative self-criticisms
which leads lower levels of self-compassion and depression.

Theoretical Perspective

The self-construal theory (Markus and Kitayama 1991) assumes that cultural difference
in self-views elucidate distinctions in the cognition, emotion, and behaviors across
cultures. People in Western and individualist cultures are likely to endorse independent
self-construal, a view of self that puts premium in freely expressing dispositional
attributes and personal preferences. On the other hand, individuals in collectivist
cultures have greater inclinations to endorse interdependent self-construal, a view of
self that prioritizes establishment and maintenance of harmonious relationships. To the
extent that individualists and collectivists achieve independence and relationship har-
mony, they experience greater happiness (Uchida and Ogihara 2012).
However, Markus and Kitayama (1991) argued that it is probable that both of these
self-construals can co-exist in an individual depending on the cultural milieu where he
or she is immersed in. Extant literature supported the contention on the advantageous
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impact of endorsing independent and interdependent self-construals on various psy-

chological outcomes (e.g. harmony and control beliefs) across contexts (Lu and
Gilmour 2004; Lu et al. 2001). To further support this conjecture, Reyes (2005) found
that Filipino college students are likely to consider individualistic attributes in defining
a happy person. However, since Philippines possessed features that represent a collec-
tivist context (Grimm et al. 1999), it is argued that interdependent self-view may lead to
more optimal psychological outcomes. Given these evidences, the study tested the
following hypotheses:

H1: The three-factor model of self-construal will be valid among the Filipino sample.
H2: Independent self-construal will not predict SWB.
H3: Interdependent self-construal will positively predict SWB.

The Present Study

The current research extends foregoing literature on the cultural antecedents of well
being for at least three reasons. First, it validates the Revised Self-Construal Scale of
Hashimoto and Yamagishi (2013) among Filipino samples since to my knowledge; no
study was done yet to examine its factor structure and psychometric properties in the
Philippines. Particularly, it assesses if the three-factor model (i.e. independence, rela-
tionship harmony, and rejection avoidance) of self-construal is applicable to Filipino
samples. Second, while the research of Hashimoto and Yamagishi (2013) only focused
on investigating domains of interdependent self-construal (i.e. relationship harmony
and rejection avoidance) and its psychological consequences, this study also examines
independent self-construal. Third, it investigates the relationship of self-construal
dimensions to life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect among Filipino
samples.

Methods

Participants

The present sample involved 665 Filipino undergraduate students in two private
collegiate institutions in Manila City (M=18.11; SD=2.04; 250 males; 415 females).
Participants were given incentives in one their classes in exchange for their participa-
tion. All the participants agreed to voluntarily join in the study through signing the
consent forms.

Measures

Concise Measure of Subjective Well Being The Concise Measure of Subjective Well
Being is a 9-item scale that was developed by Suh and Koo (2011) to measure cognitive
(i.e. life satisfaction) and affective (i.e. positive and negative emotions) domains of
subjective well being. It gauges SWB on a 7-point likert scale (1 = strongly
disagree; 7 = strongly agree). Sample items in the life satisfaction dimension include:
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“I am satisfied with the relational aspect of my life”. Items in the emotional dimensions
comprised: “I am joyful” (positive emotion) and “I am irritated” (negative emotion).
There are three items in each domain (i.e. life satisfaction and positive emotions) of the
aforementioned scale. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients of life satisfaction,
positive emotion, and negative emotions are 0.66, 0.77, and 0.75. The English version of
the scale was used in the current research. Past studies have shown that the Concise
Measure of Subjective Well Being is a valid measure of cognitive and emotional well
being (Ju, et al. 2013; Suh and Koo 2011).

Revised Self-Construal Scale The Revised Self-Construal Scale was formulated by

Hashimoto and Yamagishi (2013) to measure cultural self-views among Japanese and
American samples. This self-construal scale attempts to effectively measure interde-
pendent self-construal by adding rejection avoidance (“I worry about what people
think of me, and always feel that someone is watching me, I find myself being
concerned about what other people think of me”) to relationship harmony (“I think it
is important not to disturb good relations among one’s close acquaintances”). Items in
the independent self-construal dimension include: “I always speak and act confident-
ly”, and “I always express my opinions clearly”. The English version of the aforemen-
tioned questionnaire was utilized.

Data Analysis

Several statistical procedures were performed to validate the Revised Self-Construal

Scale through the use of the 20th edition of Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) and 18th edition of SPSS AMOS. After data cleaning and meeting the
assumptions in factor analytic processes (i.e. multivariate normality, absence of
outliers), the data were randomly divided into exploratory and cross-validation samples.
The hypothesized three-factor model was tested in Model 1 using the exploratory
sample. As Model 1 yielded low fit indices, the alternative two-factor model was then
tested in Model 2. For the alternative model (Model 2), 5 parcels were created for the
independent self-construal (2 parcels), and interdependent-relationship harmony (3
parcels) dimensions through item-to-construct balancing approach (Little et al. 2002)
since former had 8-items and the latter had 7 items which could potentially result to
unsatisfactory fit indices due to presence of more than 5 indicators per factor. Since
Model 2 produced very good fit indices, this factor structure was tested using both the
cross-validation and total sample. Consistent with the recommendations of Hu and
Bentler (1999), multiple fit indices were reviewed to examine the validity of self-
construal scale such as chi square test, CFI, GFI, AGFI, TLI, NFI, and RMSEA. The
descriptive statistics and reliability indices of all self-construal domains were also
computed. For the between-network construct validation, the dimensions of self-
construal were correlated with theoretically relevant constructs such as life satisfaction,
positive affect, and negative affect. Pearson-r correlational analyses were executed
among self-construal and the said well being domains. Upon meeting the assumptions
of regression (i.e. linearity, homoscedasticity, colinearity, and etc.), multiple regression
analyses were also performed to assess the predictive effects of self-construal on the
aforementioned optimal psychological outcomes. In the first regression model,
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independent and interdependent self-construals were entered as predictors of life

satisfaction. The second regression model involved both self-construals (i.e. indepen-
dent and interdependent self-construals) as predictors of positive affect. In the third
regression model, independent and interdependent self-construals were entered as
predictors of negative affect.

Results

Measurement Models

The measures of normality showed that the items of the Revised Self-Construal Scale
are normally distributed since the skewness values ranged from −0.64 to 0.58 and the
kurtosis values ranged from -0.70 to 0.60. These results propose that items are normally
distributed as Finney and DiStefano (2006) asserted that absolute skewness and
kurtosis greater than 2 and 7 may suggest lack of normality. Even Mahalanobis distance
values also revealed that there are no outliers that may affect results of the study. Given
that preliminary data analyses have shown that assumptions in factor analysis were
satisfactorily met, CFA through maximum likelihood procedure was executed to test if
the hypothesized three-factor model of self-construal significantly fit the present
sample.
In doing within-network construct validation, the approach of King et al. (2012) was
utilized. First, the total sample was randomly divided into exploratory sample (n=333)
and cross-validation sample (n=332). The hypothesized three-factor model (indepen-
dent self-construal, interdependent self-construal–rejection avoidance, interdependent
self-construal–relationship harmony) was tested with the exploratory sample (n=333)
through CFA. Findings revealed that the hypothesized structure did not significantly fit
the sample as evidenced by low fit indices (Table 1). These suggest that an alternative
model can explain factor structure of self-construal among Filipino samples.
Model 2 tested with a more parsimonious two-factor model of self-construal
(independent and interdependent self-construal). To address issues in the unsatisfactory
fit indices of the model as a result of having more than 5 indicators per factor, items in
the independent self-construal, relationship harmony, and rejection avoidance were
aggregated together to form 6 parcels since independent self-construal had 8 items while
interdependence dimensions had 10 items. Parcels were formulated by randomly
assigning two to four items in each parcel such that these parcels would lead to equal
common factor variance. The mean scores of the aggregated items were categorized as
parcel scores. The resulting structure involved three factors with 2 indicators in the
independent self-construal and 4 indicators in the interdependent self-construal factor.

Table 1 Confirmatory factor analysis fit indices of the exploratory sample

Model χ2 df p χ2/df CFI GFI AGFI NFI TLI RMSEA

Model 1 872.85 132 0.00 6.61 0.68 0.87 0.83 0.65 0.63 0.09
Model 2 12.94 8 0.11 1.62 0.98 0.99 0.97 0.94 0.95 0.04
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Results of CFA divulged that the two-factor model of self-construal significantly fit the
exploratory sample (Table 1).
When the two-factor model of self-construal was tested with the cross-validation
(n=332) and total samples (n=665), the findings also showed that very good fit indices
for the aforementioned samples (Table 2). Since the two-factor model yielded better fit
indices and was more parsimonious than the hypothesized three-factor model, it was
selected to reflect cultural self-construal among Filipino samples.
Table 3 showed the descriptive statistics values (i.e. mean and standard deviation)
and reliability coefficients of the revised self-construal scale. The independent
self-construal and interdependent self-construal had also satisfactory reliability indi-
ces. Consistent with the approach of Lu and Gilmour (2007), samples were tested
whether or not they significantly differ in terms of the endorsement of cultural self-
construal. The present sample scored significantly higher on interdependent self-con-
strual than on independent self-construal, t (664)=5.41, p<0.01.
Findings of correlational analyses also revealed interesting relationships between
self-construal and well being indices. Both independent self-construal and interdepen-
dent self-construal were positively correlated with life satisfaction and positive affect.
Yet, interdependent self-construal had a weak and positive correlation with negative
affect (Tables 4 and 5).
To assess the predictive effects of self-construals on subjective well being, life
satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect were regressed to both independent
self-construal and interdependent self-construal. Results divulged that independent
self-construal and interdependent self-construal positively predicted life satisfaction
and positive affect. These imply that higher levels of independent and interdependent
self-view may be associated with greater cognitive well being and positive emotions. It
is notable, however, that interdependent self-construal had stronger predictive effects
on the abovementioned well being indices.

Discussion and Conclusions

The main objective of the current research is to assess the validity and psychometric
properties of the Revised Self-Construal Scale developed by Hashimoto and Yamagishi
(2013). It also examines how self-construals relate to well being indices such as life
satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect in the Philippines. Findings of this study
generally support extant literature on the effects of cultural self-construal on SWB.
These results are elucidated in terms of their significant theoretical implications.
One of the interesting results of this research is the fact that the two factor-model of
self-construal (i.e. independent self-construal and interdependent self-construal)

Table 2 Confirmatory factor analysis fit indices of the cross-validation and total samples

Model χ2 df p χ2/df CFI GFI AGFI NFI TLI RMSEA

Cross validation sample 11.45 8 0.18 1.43 0.98 0.99 0.97 0.95 0.97 0.04
Total sample 14.87 8 0.06 1.86 0.99 0.99 0.98 0.97 0.98 0.04
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Table 3 Descriptive statistics and

Variable M SD Cronbach’s alpha
reliability indices of self-construal
dimensions
Independent self-construal 4.81 0.78 0.74
Interdependent self-construal 4.99 0.68 0.71

yielded excellent fit indices and acceptable Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients
(0.71 to 0.74). Whereas Hashimoto and Yamagishi (2013) provided an initial support
on the validity of the three-factor self-construal model that involves independence,
relationship harmony, and rejection avoidance, the present study proposed that the two-
factor structure seems to be the most robust and applicable model in explaining cultural
self-views among the Filipino. Particularly, the two-factor model significantly fit
present sample since the values of CFI, GFI, AGFI, NFI, TLI were above 0.95,
RMSEA is below 0.05 and non-significant chi square test. These findings were
consistent with the theoretical contentions of Markus and Kitayama (1991) on the
existence of independent and interdependent self-construals.
While the validated factor structure of self-construal did not directly reflect the
theorizing of Hashimoto and Yamagishi (2013), its replication of Markus and
Kitayama’s (1991) two-factor model contributes to foregoing literature in the measure-
ment of self-construal across contexts. This implies that in the case of Filipino samples,
relationship harmony and rejection avoidance may be seen as essential sociocultural
tasks that are embedded in the interdependent self-view which partially supports the
conceptualization of Hashimoto and Yamagishi (2013). To appropriately interdepen-
dent cultural self-views of collectivists, it is equally important to assess the extent to
which they strive to maintain good relationships and to avoid being disliked by others.
Perhaps, this could also explain why the present sample scored significantly higher in
interdependent self-construal than in independent self-construal. These results poten-
tially address crucial issues concerning the factor structure applicability and complexity
in the theorizing of self-construal scales in various cultural contexts (Hashimoto and
Yamagishi 2013; Levine et al. 2003).
Another interesting aspect of the results is the positive relations of independent self-
construal and interdependent self-construal on cognitive and affective well being
outcomes (i.e. life satisfaction and positive affect). Yet, interdependent self-construal

Table 4 Descriptive statistics and correlational matrix of self-construal and SWB dimensions

Variable M SD r

1 2 3 4 5

1. Independent SC 4.81 0.78 –

2. Interdependent SC 4.99 0.68 0.29** –
3. Life Satisfaction 5.14 1.08 0.12** 0.14** –
4. Positive Affect 5.29 1.07 0.16** 0.23** 0.45** –
5. Negative Affect 3.41 1.35 0.04 0.08* −0.37** −0.26** –

*p<0.05, **p<0.01
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Table 5 Multiple regression analyses of self-construal and SWB domains

Life satisfaction Positive affect Negative affect

Independent self-construal 0.08* 0.10* 0.02

Interdependent self-construal 0.11** 0.21** 0.08
R2 0.03 0.06 0.01
F (4,716) 8.51 22.37 2.18

*p<0.05, **p<0.01

served as a stronger predictor of life satisfaction and positive affect. These patterns of
correlations were parallel to findings from the research of Lu et al. (2001) given that
both self-construals were positively associated with well being and Reyes (2005) who
found that people with individualistic attributes are seen as happy individuals by
Filipino adolescents. These findings suggest that endorsing an independent and
interdependent view of selves may operate as important antecedents of a happy and
satisfying life even in the case of collectivists like Filipinos. It also strengthens the
conjecture of Markus and Kitayama (1991) regarding the possibility that independent
and interdependent self-construal may co-exist in an individual depending on various
sociocultural conditions.
Although Grimm et al. (1999) contended that the Philippines has features that
typify a collectivist context, there are some probable explanations why displaying
independent and interdependent cultural self-views may lead to greater well
being. For one, since most of the present study’s samples are Filipino under-
graduate students from two private institutions, it may be possible that they may
be espousing values that characterize people in the Western context. In addition,
given that most of the samples belong to the adolescent phase, they might be
driven to engage in activities or endeavors (i.e. choosing a collegiate course,
selecting extra-curricular clubs, and etc.) that could potentially lead to purposeful
establishment of their identity. However, it is more important that they can
maintain harmonious relationships and avoid being hated by others to achieve
interdependence since achievement of this cultural imperative facilitates optimal
levels of happiness (Markus and Kitayama 1991; Uchida and Ogihara 2012). In
general, these results point to the importance of self-construal in understanding
complex psychological processes (Kitayama et al. 1997) like the attainment of
happiness and other psychological outcomes.
These empirical evidences point to the central function that culture plays in the
achievement of life satisfaction and positive emotions among individuals in a collec-
tivist society. When collectivists see their selves as part of a larger social unit where
they are embedded, it is more likely that they could achieve greater subjective well
being. To a large extent, this is because endorsing an interdependent self could
potentially assist them in ensuring that their behaviors are concordant with others’
expectations and fitting to specific situations. Perhaps, this elucidates why collectivists
had higher well being when they accomplished goals that are consistent with others’
aspirations (Oishi and Diener 2001). As they realize the importance of social and
contextual factors in their cognition, emotion, motivation, and actions, the chances of
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maintaining harmonious relationships and avoiding interpersonal conflict would be

higher which could result in greater happiness.
Yet, it is surprising that even individuals in a collectivist context somehow recog-
nized the promising side of espousing a self that allows independent expression of
personal dispositions, wants, and values to achieve a more satisfying and a happy life.
This is especially true for individuals who belong to the adolescent stage where the
primary developmental task involves establishing a healthy sense of self and identity
(Erikson 1982). Hence, it may not be always safe to assume that interdependent self-
construal alone can serve as a significant cultural antecedent of happiness in collectivist
cultures as the present findings suggest that independent self-construal also exerts a
beneficial impact on cognitive and affective well being.
Despite the theoretical contributions of the study in terms of understanding the factor
structure of cultural self-views and its impact on SWB in the Philippine context, the
present research has some limitations. First, since samples were collected from two
private collegiate institutions in Manila City, caution should be practiced in generaliz-
ing the findings of the present study. Future researchers are encouraged to recruit
samples in other collectivist countries (i.e. China, Japan South Korea, and etc.) to
provide stronger evidences regarding the applicability of the said self-construal scale
across contexts. Second, the present study just examined the effects of self-construal on
SWB. In future studies, it is desirable to assess the distinct predictive effects of self-
construal on other optimal psychological outcomes (i.e. locus of hope, optimism, and
gratitude). Third, the current research only utilized self-report approach in measuring
self-construal. Future studies are encouraged to integrate peer-report forms with self-
report forms to arrive at a more objective way of assessing cultural self-views. Fourth, it
is strongly recommended for future researchers to examine mechanisms that could
potentially elucidate why self-construal may be associated with life satisfaction, posi-
tive affect, negative affect, and other indices of psychological health through the use of
mediating variables. These empirical directions can lead to better understanding on the
cultural antecedents of well being.
Nonetheless, the current research provides important theoretical and practical impli-
cations. The findings of the present study contribute to theory since it illustrates that
even in the Philippine context, conceptualizing interdependent self-construal as a
product of individuals’ efforts to uphold relationship harmony and rejection avoidance
seems to be an applicable conjecture. The results also strengthened the external validity
of Hashimoto and Yamagishi’s (2013) theorizing on the important facets of interde-
pendence. Taken together, these evidences proposed that the Revised Self-Construal
Scale offers considerable advantages in effectively measuring cultural self-views of
people from distinct contextual settings. In terms of practice, the findings suggest that
counselors and psychologists are strongly encouraged to integrate cultural self-
construals when conceptualizing and planning psychological interventions or
programs that aim at optimizing greater happiness and life satisfaction among
people from distinct sociocultural milieus. Mental health practitioners are rec-
ommended to be careful in automatically assuming that a sense of self that
prioritizes harmonious relationships alone guarantees happiness in collectivist
contexts. This is because the present study proposes that even a self-view that
proposes autonomous expression of dispositions, wants, and values can lead to
higher well being.
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Curr Psychol

Appendix

Table 6 Item-total statistics of the revised self-construal scale

Scale mean if Scale variance Corrected item- Squared multiple Cronbach’s alpha
item deleted if item deleted total correlation correlation if item deleted

SC1 83.4211 99.835 0.362 0.291 0.754

SC2 83.8392 100.770 0.280 0.369 0.761
SC3 83.1294 97.597 0.492 0.359 0.745
SC4 83.5971 99.082 0.390 0.286 0.752
SC5 83.8256 99.854 0.289 0.339 0.760
SC6 83.8918 99.718 0.306 0.298 0.759
SC7 83.0542 96.340 0.495 0.340 0.744
SC8 83.4456 99.774 0.311 0.198 0.758
SC9 83.1234 98.826 0.384 0.396 0.752
SC10 83.2888 99.532 0.386 0.383 0.753
SC11 83.4700 100.124 0.321 0.224 0.757
SC12 83.3565 99.399 0.385 0.264 0.753
SC13 83.5038 103.763 0.215 0.206 0.764
SC14 83.0512 101.270 0.272 0.307 0.761
SC15 83.3853 97.785 0.391 0.330 0.752
SC16 83.7519 101.612 0.262 0.183 0.762
SC17 83.6768 100.503 0.287 0.229 0.760
SC18 82.8136 99.084 0.365 0.271 0.754

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