Where is the evidence for pancultural self-enhancement? A reply to Sedikides, Gaertner, and Toguchi (2003)

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2005 Oct;89(4):531-8. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.89.4.531.

Abstract

C. Sedikides, L. Gaertner, and Y. Toguchi (2003) maintained that the self-enhancement motivation (as defined by tendencies to view oneself in overly positive terms) is universal. The present article challenges their claim. A review of the literature revealed that many studies contradict their findings regarding the domain-specific nature of East Asian self-enhancement. It is argued that Sedikides et al. did not replicate past research because they did not measure self-enhancement in their studies. The present article provides a theoretical basis for understanding cross-cultural differences in self-enhancement and considers the question of universality by exploring 2 different conceptualizations of positive self-regard.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attitude / ethnology*
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Culture*
  • Humans
  • Motivation
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Desirability*