Interdependent construal of self and the endorsement of conflict resolution strategies in interpersonal, intergroup, and international disputes

Abstract

Intergroup relations are more competitive and discordant than relations between interacting individuals. Social identity theory suggests that this discontinuity should be greatest among individuals who identify strongly with their in-group. To test this prediction, students from countries with collectivistic and individualistic cultures completed a measure of self-construal. They were then asked to identify how they would respond to a conflict, either with another individual, between their group and another group or between their country and another country. Participants responded more negatively to intergroup and international conflicts than to interpersonal conflicts. Self-construal, however, moderated this effect. Controlling for country of origin, students who were high in interdependence endorsed threat more and acceptance of the others' demands less in an international conflict versus an interpersonal conflict. Those low in interdependence differed less in their endorsement of conflict resolution strategies in an international versus an interpersonal conflict.