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Individualism and collectivism orientation and the correlates among Chinese college students

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Abstract

In this study we examine the individualism and collectivism (I-C) orientation among Chinese college students and explore predictive associations between I-C and other variables. Chinese college students (N = 2770) were randomly sampled and relevant psychological scales (I-Cs, SES, CES-D, MSPSS, PTM, etc.) were administered. Data were collected through paper and pencil questionnaire survey. It was found that high collectivism is significantly associated with strong social support and pro-social tendencies. On the other hand, depression and self-esteem which reflect individual differences in mental condition as predictors of individualism are significant. Chinese college students’ collectivism tendency is significantly related to the higher Chinese cultural identity, and lower Chinese cultural identity as a predictor of individualism tendency is significant. Utilitarian pro-social behavior has a significant positive impact on individualism. At the same time, a high degree of the attention to wealth strengthens individualism and weakens collectivism significantly. It shows that excessive pursuit of interests not only strengthens individualism but also weakens collectivism. By understanding the ideological situation of Chinese college students and exploring the related variables that have a significant relationship with collectivism and individualism, this study reveals the tendency of individualism and collectivism of Chinese college students and its influencing factors; At the same time, these findings contribute to the I-C literature with the data from Chinese culture.

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Data Availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Funding

This study was supported by China Ministry of Education Project 211 through the Central University of Finance and Economics (09SH003) and the United States National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH R01 MH068560).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, China

    Jie Zhang & Tingting Han

  2. Department of Sociology, State University of New York Buffalo State, Buffalo, NY, 14222, USA

    Jie Zhang

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  1. Jie Zhang
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  2. Tingting Han
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Correspondence to Jie Zhang.

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Zhang, J., Han, T. Individualism and collectivism orientation and the correlates among Chinese college students. Curr Psychol 42, 3811–3821 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01735-2

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