Abstract
This study focuses on the interdependent construal of self, commonly discussed in cultural psychology, and attempts to analyze the process by which the Japanese interdependent view of the self and others is shared and maintained. Using self-construal scales, Study 1 and Study 2 found that Japanese individuals do not personally value interdependent ways of thinking and behaving, suggesting that Japanese interdependence should be understood as a culturally "common" belief. Furthermore the results of Study 3, which compared participant's impressions of individuals who behave interdependently or independently, demonstrated the importance of the common belief that behaving interdependently is a socially smart strategy. The results of these studies suggest that culturally shared beliefs create incentives for Japanese individuals to behave interdependently, regardless of their personal preferences, and that these beliefs are reinforced and shared through a self-sustaining mechanism. Furthermore, individuals' incentive-driven behavior further strengthens these common beliefs. Finally, the implications of an institutional approach to culture are raised with respect to cultural psychological research.
