Developing a Suitable and Valid Measure of Self-construal as Conceptualized in a Collectivist Socio-cultural Setting

Abstract

It has been theoretically postulated that the independent self-view is a Western disposition, whereas the interdependent self-view is a non-Western inclination. However, the most widely used self-construal scale depicts contradictory findings when adapted in a typical collectivist setting like Nigeria. Hence, there is a need to develop and validate a new measure of self-construal. Two studies were conducted to develop and test a suitable scale to measure independent and interdependent self-construal in a predominantly collectivistic society like Nigeria, following Markus and Kitayama's (1991) independent and interdependent self-construal concepts. Exploratory factor analyses on a Nigerian sample backed up the Nigerian Self-Construal Scale’s (NSCS) proposed two-dimensional structure. In the second study, the data were subjected to Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), which produced Chi-Square goodness-of-fit indexes that further supported the scale's two-dimensional structure. The values of the Non-Normed Fit Index (NNFI) and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) were also acceptable. The NSCS had convergent validity established through significant positive relationship with the Self-Construal Scale (SCS, Singelis, 1994) and predictive validity with life satisfaction. Given that the findings were generally noteworthy, one can say with precautious confidence that the NSCS is an appropriate and reliable measure of self-construal in a predominantly collectivist society.