Do cultural orientations moderate the relation between Chinese adolescents’ shyness and depressive symptoms? It depends on their academic achievement

Abstract

We examined the moderating roles of individualistic and collectivistic cultural orientations and academic achievement on the relation between Chinese adolescents' shyness and depressive symptoms. A sample of Chinese adolescents (N = 492) from an urban school participated in the study during seventh (T1) and eighth (T2) grades.Adolescents self-reported their shyness, cultural orienta-

Interpersonal skills scale: Development and validation in urbanized sample of adolescents

“…Individualistic culture promotes self‐growth, self‐sufficient, self‐reliance, independence, conformity, and autonomy (Tamis‐LeMonda et al, 2007). Whereas individual from collectivistic cultures tend to show more conformity to social norms than personal interests, values, and choices and their behavior is largely influenced by others expectation and group values (An & Eggum‐Wilkens, 2019). Parents in collectivistic cultures promote more interpersonal skills and prosocial behavior (helping, sharing, cooperation, caring, and politeness) in their children as compared to their counterpart’s parents in individualistic cultures (Feygina & Henry, 2015).…”

“…As, Pakistan is a collectivistic culture where the focus is on “We” rather than “I” and a person’s social identity, values, and preferences are more important than personal identity and choices. Social cohesion and group harmony are the most preferred traits (An & Eggum‐Wilkens, 2019; Tamis‐LeMonda et al, 2007). Social engagement is a cultural‐specific manifestation of Pakistani culture where children are supposed to follow the social and religious rituals together as accepted by parents and family (Saleem et al, 2019).…”

“…This factor of IPSS is the ethical and moral implication of being social. Sociability and social etiquettes are highly valued and universally manifested characteristics in collectivistic cultures (An & Eggum‐Wilkens, 2019) because it is considered a sign of respect and mannerism toward elders and agemates that ensure group harmony.…”

“…Cultural norms and values play a key role in social growth and development (An & Eggum‐Wilkens, 2019), and also influence the manifestation of interpersonal skills (Marsella, 1988). Individualistic cultures posit more emphasize on individuality, self‐reliance, individual growth, self‐actualization, and individual’s choices and preferences are given value over group choices and preferences (Phinney, Ong, & Madden, 2000; Saleem, Mahmood, & Subhan, 2015) and that individualization requires different skills and social competence.…”

Mediation analysis of social deficits between self-criticism and aggression in adolescents

“…Contrary to individualistic cultures where individual needs and self-reliance is given priority, collectivistic cultures promote dependence and conformity in the name of family functioning. Such cultural practices, usually, restrict social interaction and learning of social skills that consequently lead to poor social adjustment (An & Eggum-Wilkens, 2019;Saleem et al, 2014;. Parental support and responsiveness lead to better psychological adjustment and self-growth .…”