A Study of Values As Cross-Cultural Competencies: A Potential Source of Self-Esteem?
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Abstract
The goal of this study was to examine how individuals evaluate themselves and their ingroup on a series of values that vary in cultural importance across Asian American and North American cultural groups. Specifically, we examined cross-cultural differences in mean levels of culturally-based competencies, and explored whether there are also cross-cultural differences in which facets of these competencies are associated with positive affect. Participants were 85 Asian American (AA) and 83 European American (EA) college students. Group competency evaluation was more pertinent to AA than EA, whereas independent competency evaluation was more pertinent to EA than AA, both in terms of mean competency levels and the prediction of positive affect. Implications for counselors are discussed.
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