Culture, religion, and the underlying value dimensions of the metapersonal self-construal

Abstract

The metapersonal self-construal (MPS) is presented in the context of a three-factor model of self-construal that is grounded in the literature on culture and values. The MPS is an understanding of the self as profoundly interconnected with all humanity and nature. It is distinct from the independent and interdependent self-construals and may emerge from one's cultural, religious, or spiritual background. Relating self-construal with a structural model of values, Study 1 indicated that while the independent and interdependent self-construals marked each end of a continuum, the MPS was associated with a unique cluster of values centred around universalism. Studies 2 and 3 found support for the predicted effects of membership in Buddhist groups and identification with Aboriginal culture on MPS. These results support the MPS as a unique understanding of the self that reflects surrounding beliefs and values. Implications for understanding the relationship between spirituality and well-being are discussed.

Keywords:

• self-construal
• self-concept
• cultural differences
• social values
• religion

Notes

Notes

1. The term metapersonal reflects the notion that this is an understanding of the self that extends beyond (meta-) the personal level of individual characteristics, relationships, and social groups.

2. Note that it is the specific belief in a self that is interconnected with all things, and not religiosity per se, that is believed to be associated with the metapersonal self-construal (see DeCicco & Stroink, 2007).